28/04/2008
 
AUTHORITY SEARCHES FOR INDEPENDENT MEMBERS
 
Cambridgeshire Police Authority launches a recruitment campaign today, aiming to attract new members who can reflect the interests of a wide range of local communities, as well as making a positive contribution to the Authority's core role: ensuring that Cambridgeshire has an effective and efficient police force. The successful applicants will help shape the future of policing in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough within the context of demographic change

The Authority has vacancies for four independent member posts and is keen to hear from people who have the ability to analyse information and challenge accepted views in a constructive way.  Merrick Willis, Vice Chairman of Cambridgeshire Police Authority, said: "Recent years have seen dramatic changes in the makeup of the population of Cambridgeshire, which is rapidly growing and becoming more diverse. These changes have presented the Police with new challenges which have been well publicised in the last few months. It is the role of the Police Authority to ensure that the Police are able to meet those challenges, and the Authority already comprises individuals with exceptional skills that equip us well to fulfil that role.

"It is important for the Police Authority to reflect the communities we serve. We believe that there are individuals out there who may have additional knowledge and experience - for example in effective community consultation or race-relations - that would also be of enormous benefit to us as we continue to meet the demands of policing an ever-changing and growing population. We would particularly like to hear from anyone with those skills and a desire to help make Cambridgeshire and Peterborough even safer.

Cambridgeshire Police Authority is made up of local people, serving local communities. Eight of its members are 'Independent' (at least one of whom is a magistrate) - selected from the community - who, together with nine councillor members - appointed by councils to reflect their political composition, - aim to maintain an efficient and effective police force.

Independent members must be able to commit to around eight hours work per week in return for an allowance and expenses. Further information is available at www.cambs-pa.gov.uk/vacancies.cfm by calling 0845 345 4335, by emailing police.authority@cambs.pnn.police.uk or by writing to:
Independent Members, Cambridgeshire Police Authority, Cambridgeshire Constabulary Headquarters, Hinchingbrooke Park, Huntingdon, PE29 6NP

The closing date is 3rd June, 2008.