Sir - Replacing Police Authorities with Police and Crime Commissioners was a bad idea. The old Authorities comprised 17 people from various backgrounds, with collective experience, drawn from all over the Force's area. We now have one Commissioner, overseeing nearly 3000 square miles and over 4000 employees.

Barrie Sheldon (deputy PCC), recently tried to reassure us that this was a much better arrangement. 'Decisions' , he said, could now be made 'on the spot', and should the public be concerned there was the Police and Crime Panel to whom the Commissioner is 'very much accountable'.

It's a chilling thought that one person now has the power to dictate the direction the force should take and make 'on the spot' decisions about how we are policed without the need for discussion or consultation. Should the Chief Constable disagree, he/she can be suspended.

I don't believe we should feel confident in the Panel's ability to hold the Commissioner to account, despite Mr Sheldon's assurances. When Bill Longmore decided to appoint Barrie Sheldon the Panel opposed the idea, advising him not to make the appointment. Mr Longmore ignored them and went ahead anyway. The National Audit Office recognises that panels 'lack powers to scrutinize Commissioners'.

So now we have a situation where our Force is overseen by two former policemen - one unelected - and there is nothing we can do about it. What's not to like!

Chris Garner

Worcester