Public-spirited people are being offered the chance to play a key role in reducing crime and disorder.
Two independent co-opted members are needed to join a new Police and Crime Panel, which is being set up to scrutinise the work of the new Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington.
The commissioner, who is due to be appointed following elections in November, will set priorities and resources for Durham Constabulary and support broader community safety activities.
The Police and Crime Panel, which will also include seven representatives from Durham County Council and three from Darlington Borough Council, will be responsible for challenging the commissioner.
The commissioner will be required to consult the panel on his or her policing plans and budget, the Council Tax level set by the force and the appointment of a Chief Constable.
Colette Longbottom, Durham County Council’s head of legal and democratic services, said: “The role of a panel member will be an important and demanding one but it’s an exciting opportunity to be involved in new and very different arrangements for reducing crime and disorder from the start.”
The two independent members will serve on the panel for two years from this autumn. They will need to commit an average of one day a month to the panel, including preparation time.
Meetings will usually be held during normal working hours in Durham or Darlington. Independent members will be able to claim reasonable travel expenses and will receive an induction and other appropriate training.
The closing date for applications is Monday 17th September. For further details and an application form, visit www.durham.gov.uk/policeandcrimepanel, call 0191 383 3489, email [email protected] or write to:
Committee Services
Legal and Democratic Services
Durham County Council
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UL