May the force be with you

People have very little knowledge about police authorities

The Home Secretary David Blunkett wants to see the bodies that set police priorities elected by the people they serve. The idea is that if local communities want more police on the beat, they can have exactly that. But they'll also have to decide on what has to be cut to pay for it.

Breakfast spoke to Kam Hong Leung, a community activist who gives this idea a big thumbs up.

We heard from Norman Bettinson the Chief Constable of Merseyside. He told us how his men are going into the community and making a big difference.

And Ken McGlashan, who's been involved in working with the police at a local level, told us what lies at the heart of these plans.

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Home Secretary David Blunkett will suggest the creation of "community advocates" to help people deal with crime and the police, and argue for the policing they want.

The proposals, contained in a consultation paper, come after government research showed people had a lack of knowledge about what police authorities do.

It is about giving the public a stronger voice Home Office spokeswoman

The authorities, which are currently appointed, set overall local strategies and hold chief constables to account.

"It is about giving the public a stronger voice, and policing being carried out in cooperation with the public," said a Home Office spokeswoman.

"It will look at the style of policing at a very local level and how the police engage with the public."

'Eyes and ears'

The consultation paper will also raise again the issue of merging some of the smaller police forces.

It will include suggestions about whether there should be a three digit non-emergency police number to complement 999.

Policing minister Hazel Blears said: "Very often it's local people out on the street who know what the issues are.

"They're an excellent source of intelligence for the police. They can be your eyes and ears.

"And I think working much closer with local people really will make a significant impact on crime."

Last year, police community support officers were introduced to help tackle anti-social behaviour.

They do not have the same powers of arrest as regular officers, but provide a visible presence and deal with low level public disorder.