Elected commissioner to replace police authority

Nottinghamshire Police Authority said the future was clearer after MPs voted to pass legislation to introduce directly-elected Police Crime Commissioners.

Following months of debate, agreement was reached in Parliament last week to vote through the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, which will see police authorities replaced with directly-elected Police Crime Commissioners from next year.

Elections for the new commissioner are set to take place in November 2012. This is six months later than originally planned following a Government amendment to the Bill.

Commenting on the announcement Jon Collins, chairman of Nottinghamshire Police Authority, said: “The Authority has known about the potential new governance structure for some time now but this decision finally gives us the certainty we need to plan and move forward which is positive.

“The authority has endured unprecedented change in the past 18 months which has strengthened performance and improved service levels and as an organisation we are resolute that this good work will not be compromised during the changeover.

“Significant work is taking place behind the scenes to provide stability during the transition period and to create a fully functioning framework in anticipation of the arrival of the newly-elected PCC.

"It is our duty to the residents of Nottinghamshire to ensure the new PCC inherits a financially-healthy, strong- performing organisation which already has all the ingredients needed for future success."