Business people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are being offered the chance to play a pivotal role in local policing in their community.
They are being invited to join their Safer Neighbourhood Panels to hold the Local Policing Team Commander to account and look at wider criminal justice and community safety issues in their area.
Application forms are available now for people who are interested in joining including those who work in business or the voluntary sector.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire Matthew Ellis, who launched the Safer Neighbourhood Panels said: “This is a real opportunity for business people to play a part in holding those responsible for policing in their area to account and I’d urge them to get involved.
“I make no apology for believing that truly local policing, and the public playing a part in influencing that, is vital.
“You can shape policing at the most local level in your community by joining a Safer Neighbourhood Panel.
“The spotlight on local policing performance that these panels brings is invaluable in adding to the rigour I have introduced to overseeing policing.”
The Safer Neighbourhood Panels have been launched in places including Tamworth, Stoke-on-Trent, Cannock, Lichfield and South Staffordshire. Soon every local policing area in Staffordshire will have one.
Local residents and councillors sit on the panels, but in some areas the business sector is currently under-represented. The Safer Neighbourhood Panels will influence local policing and community safety, scrutinise the work done by police in their area, give feedback to communities and examine the impact of community resolutions and restorative justice.
The PCC is interested in attracting people from all walks of life who are able to represent the views from a business perspective, irrespective of age, disability and ethnic background. Expenses will be paid.
Anyone interested in applying to join their local Safer Neighbourhood panel should register their interest here
