Police combine to recruit public

FOUR police authorities have joined forces to recruit members of the public to deal with allegations of gross misconduct by officers.

Independent members of police misconduct hearings were introduced in December, 2008, to reassure communities that police misconduct matters are treated seriously and dealt with properly.

Previously, only senior police officers and other police officials attended the hearings, which can result in the dismissal of an officer.

Police authorities in Greater Manchester (GMPA), Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside are working together to appoint the new recruits.

GMPA chairman Councillor Paul Murphy said: “It doesn’t make sense to have four police authorities located relatively close to each other making separate arrangements to appoint when they’re all recruiting for the same thing.

“We felt it would be far more cost-effective to work together and share the responsibilities which come with a recruitment and appointment process.”

Those appointed will be required to sit on hearings in all four of the authority areas, two or three times a year.

The independent member role is a voluntary one for a fixed term of five years. Applications are invited from people from all walks of life.

For an application pack or more information visit www.policeauthorityrecruitment.co.uk or contact Lizzie Heath on 01772-533589.

The closing date is February 20, and interviews take place on March 25 and 26 at Haydock Racecourse, near St Helen’s.