York | Archive | 2004 | July | 7
From the Evening Press, first published Wednesday 7th Jul 2004.
WHEN I was elected to the police authority six years ago I was dismayed at how far behind the police were in terms of information technology.
Down the years progress has undoubtedly been made. However, much more investment is still needed.
For every step forward taken by the force, a step back was taken with restrictions arising from the Data Protection Act, human rights legislation etc.
So it was no surprise to read about the Michael Richard inquiry into the tragic events of Soham, which appeared to highlight a lack of information in police records.
I have sat around the negotiating table with Michael Bichard many times during his period with the Benefits Agency. In that capacity he always came across as a fair and open person.
However, I cannot help but wonder just how much background information on the police and the police authority he was given before he started the inquiry.
My main concern in this saga of events is the continuing trend of this New Labour government for central control.
The police authority is comprised equally of elected representatives, appointed magistrates and "independents". Independent members are strictly vetted by the Home Office and, if successful, they are then subjected to a lengthy interview.
Police authority members are well motivated and spend a lot of their time at training courses.
Despite this, and all the lip-service paid to "local democracy", we now have a Government minister who completely ignores the authority because it did not suspend the Chief Constable - a decision which went against his wish to make an example of someone in authority.
Liz Edge,
Parkside Close, York.
Updated: 10:08 Wednesday, July 07, 2004
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