Who knows?

But I would expect the result to be that the elected commissioner (like all quangoistas) would feel the need to justify his/her existence and would therefore be keen to stick their oar in

Often this would be pointless and annoying

But on other occasions it would be also be very useful, Hillsborough being a prime example

Additionally, any elected person wants to get elected again and thus is more likely to react to public opinion/pressure groups. This is (needless to say) a two-edged sword ... but it would make the police far more accountable

And I am really feeling like making the police more accountable. My professional involvement with the phone hacking stuff has given me a first hand view of the corruption of the police and the utter uselessness of their "all boys together" self-regulation. My personal reaction to the Hillsborough stuff has been one of shock and anger and disgust.

So although I am very cynical about anyone who wants to be elected for almost anything, I think this might be an idea whose time has come

Posted By: Old Git, Oct 23, 11:26:46