Mr Wilkins,

I am writing to you in advance of this week’s full police authority meeting at which there is an agenda item on changing the public speaking rules.

I would like to suggest you go further than what is being proposed and amend the recommendation so that following a public question:

1. Members of the authority can make their own requests for clarification, or ask follow-up questions on the subject raised.

2. Members of the authority can make their own statements on the subject raised.

3. Members of the authority can debate what, if anything, to do next with respect to the matter raised. eg. put it on a future agenda, or request a response from the police.

The report to this week’s authority meeting fails to address the underlying problem with the current three working day notice period - that is the secretariat routinely publish key meeting reports after this deadline. I suggest raising this omission, and while welcoming the relaxation of the notice period for public questions, making clear to the Chief Executive that reports ought be published online well in advance of the meetings.

I think the report is also odd in that it doesn’t appreciate that those addressing the authority are primarily addressing members and seeking to lobby them, often prior to them making decisions. I do not think the focus ought be questions requiring a response from the secretariat.

While I understand the need for a chairman to have some discretion; I do not think that ought extend to forbidding a question without giving reasons.

Points to consider:
* The chair of the authority, the Chief Executive, and the Chief Constable all consider the entire question of arming non-firearms officers with TASER an operational matter. Does this mean a public question on the matter may in future not be permitted by the chair? Reasoning for denying submitted questions ought at least be reported to the authority so members can consider if they are reasonable.

*When I asked a public question about the Cambridgeshire Police ignoring PACE codes and considering them [merely] guidance; you came outside the meeting with me to let me know your views on the response I received from the Chief Executive. I believe it would have been of great value had you been able to say what you said to me to the authority and officers. My suggestion at point (2) above would address this.

I hope you are able to attend the meeting and improve the opportunities for public access.

I have written an article on this at:

http://www.rtaylor.co.uk/cambridgeshire-police-authority-public-speaking.html

Regards,

–

Richard Taylor
Cambridge
http://www.rtaylor.co.uk