Residents are being invited to apply to serve on the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel (PCP).

Two co-opted independent members are currently being recruited by the Panel – the body that scrutinises and supports the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The PCP maintains a regular check and balance on the performance of the vommissioner and holds him to account on his responsibilities to the residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Although the Police and Crime Commissioner is ultimately accountable to the electorate via the ballot box, he is required to consult with the panel on his plans and budget for policing, as well as the level of council tax, and, when necessary, the appointment of a chief constable.

The PCP has powers and responsibilities to:

• Review the draft Police and Crime Plan.

• Publicly review and scrutinise the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Annual Report.

• Review and scrutinise decisions made, or actions taken by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

• Review, influence and if necessary, challenge council tax precept levels proposed by the commissioner.

• Make a recommendation to the commissioner on any proposal to remove the chief constable.

• Review and make recommendations to the commissioner on proposals to appoint senior staff and the chief constable.

• Review the commissioner’s conduct.

• Appoint an acting commissioner (from the commissioner’s staff) if the commissioner is incapacitated or suspended.

In delivering its statutory responsibilities the panel has also undertaken a programme of proactive scrutiny, previously making recommendations to the commissioner on various topics, including new and emerging threats and areas of community concern.

The Police and Crime Panel comprises 15 councillors (one from each of the local authorities within the Hampshire Policing Area, including Hampshire County Council, the 11 district and borough councils in Hampshire, and the unitary authorities for Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton).

Three further councillors who are co-opted from local authorities help reflect Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s political balance, while there are an additional two independent non-councillor co-opted members.

The composition of the PCP reflects the political balance across Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and a mix of skills, knowledge and experience its needs to operate effectively.

Councillor David Stewart, chairman of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel, said: “A vacancy has arisen for two independent co-opted members to join the panel.

“The role of a panel member is an important and demanding one, and we are seeking committed and enthusiastic residents to serve as co-opted independent members from October 2016 for a four-year term.

“The panel wishes to reflect the breadth of communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and it would welcome applications from anyone eligible to be considered.

“This is an exciting opportunity to get involved in and make suggestions for improvement to policing, community safety and crime issues within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

The closing date for applications is August 29, with formal appointments to be made on October 7.

Further information and a co-opted members recruitment pack can be downloaded at www3.hants.

gov.uk/hampshire-pcp/pcp-independent-member.htm