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Calls for US-style elected local police chiefs are to be rejected by the Government's adviser on police reform. Former RUC chief, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, the home secretary's senior professional adviser on policing, is set on Thursday (7 February) to reject calls by the LGA and the Conservatives for police commissioners to be elected locally. The Home Office told The MJ that enhancing local accountability was ‘not completely rejected', but Sir Ronnie would reject proposals for elected commissioners. He would also call for an extension of powers for community support officers. Police leaders have accepted the need for ‘better dialogue' over setting local priorities, but say elections would politicise local forces. Options being considered are adding elected residents to police authority boards or creating neighbourhood advisory groups, building on Neighbourhood Watch schemes. The Home Office, which is negotiating the issue with communities secretary, Hazel Blears, said final proposals would be published this spring. Any changes to legislation would be confirmed in the autumn's Queen's Speech. Ahead of the report, Sir Ronnie accepted accountability was a key issue. ‘People are seeking a sense of reassurance within their own community and look for that community itself to be protected from wider threats,' he said. ‘Public needs and expectations at a very local level are becoming more obvious.' Sir Simon Milton, LGA chairman, said: ‘Every service delivered to people in their local area should be directly answerable to residents through their locally-elected representatives. Councillors are elected to put people first. Local authorities can only serve the interests of local people if they can get rid of someone who does a bad job.' Home secretary, Jacqui Smith, has pledged to support local initiatives to tackle under-age drinking. Ms Smith said: ‘I fully support communities' efforts to stamp out underage alcohol-fuelled disorder and the harm it causes.'

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WHITEHALL

Police reforms 'will not include elections'

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