Sir - A new independent watchdog, the so-called Warwickshire and West Mercia Ethics Committee, has been set-up to examine police practices across West Mercia (Worcester News, 24 September). But just how ‘independent’ – which I would define as being representative of the wider community – is it? Well, not very, if a cursory look at the membership is anything to go by.
It’s the usual line-up of the great and the good. There’s one Tory councillor, two former Police Authority members, a senior local authority officer, and a deputy Lord Lieutenant .
I wouldn’t dream of suggesting that such a privileged bunch is so out of touch with everyday life that ensuring ‘transparency’ in police practices will be beyond them.
But I am suggesting that they will be perceived by the general public to completely lack the experience to do so effectively, which is just as bad and completely defeats the objective of ensuring greater public trust in our police services.
Robbie Porter,
WORCESTER
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