Police call for independent misconduct panel members

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 27 January 2009

Greater Manchester Police Authority has joined forces with colleagues in Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside to recruit independent members of the public to deal with allegations of gross misconduct by police 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.

The four police authorities 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.

A website with all the necessary application material has been launched at:

www.policeauthorityrecruitment.co.uk

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 the website or contact Lizzie Heath:

01772 533589.

The closing date is February 20 and interviews take place on March 25 and 26 at Haydock Racecourse.