|
|
|
| Press Releases |
| West Yorkshire Police Authority – Making Sure You Have a Voice in Policing |
|
|
|
Monday, 25 January, 2010
Did you know that ensuring local people have a say in policing is one of the main jobs for West Yorkshire Police Authority?
A recent survey of local people, undertaken by the Authority, showed that many didn’t know exactly what the Police Authority does, or even aware that police authority members come from the local community.
Police Authority members work closely with West Yorkshire Police, the five councils within the County and organisations such as the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) at a national level, to tell them what local communities want from policing.
West Yorkshire Police Authority also has a role to play in delivering the Policing Pledge.
The pledge is a clear statement about what the public can expect from their local police in terms of delivering the quality of service that matters most to them and improving confidence in policing.
In addition to increasing public awareness of the Pledge, the Authority will monitor how it is delivered across West Yorkshire. This will include monitoring performance against the measurable targets and talking to local people to find out their views about performance and the impact that the Pledge is having.
Cllr Mark Burns-Williamson, Chair of West Yorkshire Police Authority said: “Each year West Yorkshire Police Authority works hard to listen to local people so we can find your views on how policing can be improved. We can then ensure local policing is developed according to your needs.
“Likewise it is important that local people are aware of the Police Authority and what it does to hold local police to account on your behalf, so that you can make the best use of our services.
“For example, many people are not aware that West Yorkshire Police Authority hires and also has the power to fire the Chief Constable or senior officers if they are not up to the job. Another key role for the Authority is holding the policing budget and consulting with local people before setting the police council tax.
“The public are not always aware of the important activities that police authorities carry out on your behalf including our work to put communities at the heart of policing with local police and partners. After all, the police are part of the community, so it is crucial that they listen to local people and seek their support for the often difficult work they do. Through West Yorkshire Police Authority they are able to do just that.”
Each policing area within West Yorkshire has its own locally elected councillor or independent member of the community who sits on the Authority and is there to give communities a voice.
Division | Member 2009/10 | Contact Details | Airedale/North Bradford | Glen Miller | gm1@wypa.pnn.police.uk | Bradford South | John Ruding | jr2@wypa.pnn.police.uk | Calderdale | Roger Taylor | rt1@wypa.pnn.police.uk | City and Holbeck | Judith Blake | Judith.blake@leeds.gov.uk | Kirklees | Ken Smith | ks1@wypa.pnn.police.uk | Leeds North East | Brenda Lancaster | bl1@wypa.pnn.police.uk | Leeds North West | Les Carter | lc1@wypa.pnn.police.uk | Wakefield | Mark Burns-Williamson | chair@wypa.pnn.police.uk |
Each member of the authority can also be contacted on 01924 294000. |
|
|
|
