Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader and spokesperson for policing and justice Elfyn Llwyd MP has today warned against the dangers of the looming ‘politicisation’ of the police force.
In a statement today, the Home Secretary outlined numerous plans for change including the introduction of elected police commissioners by 2012.
Mr Llwyd, a member of the House of Commons Justice Committee, has warned against the dangers of such a move for some time, and of the inevitable ‘politicisation’ of the police force in its wake.
Plaid’s Elfyn Llwyd MP said:
“I accept the case for some changes in administration – in terms of making the police authority more independent – but I am adamant in my belief that an elected police commissioner is the wrong direction of travel.
“There is a very real risk of politicising the police service with this move and that would be hugely detrimental.
“We must always remember that good policing is by consent and that consent will break down if the police becomes politicised, and if things are done by the police service for political ends.
“I sincerely hope that this does not actually happen as it does not bare any real scrutiny.”
