DEVON Senior Voice (DSV), the voluntary forum for the over 50s, has serious concerns about the election on November 15 of a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), who will take over from the Police Authority as the overseer of the Devon and Cornwall police force.

The commissioner will have the power to hire and fire the chief constable, and set the force's budget and strategic direction, but will not make operational decisions.

We believe the new system is flawed, for a number of reasons. We question the wisdom of introducing these expensive changes at a time when the number of police officers in England and Wales is being reduced by budget cuts. You just have to open your local newspaper in Devon to read that farm robberies have recently risen, including rustling of animals and theft of farm equipment and chemicals.

Devon is a large county, and many of our 2,000 plus members live in rural and remote areas, leaving them more vulnerable to crime and resulting in fear and increasing social isolation.

Furthermore, why is just one person replacing the 19 members of the authority? Four out of the ten candidates for the Devon and Cornwall position appear to be backed by political parties, which would, if that is the case, give the four more money and resources to contest this election.

This would mean that political candidates will be at an advantage over independents. Should a police commissioner be elected by political parties?

The Electoral Commission has circulated all households with brief details about the purpose and role of a PCC.

But the leaflet gives no information about who is standing for election — if you want to know more, you are advised to visit a website or call a freephone number to order printed information. But many people, especially older ones, do not use computers, or they might be reluctant or forget to telephone for more details.

The Government decided on cost grounds against the obvious policy of allowing candidates to post campaign literature about themselves to people's homes by Freepost, thus denying many the ability to make an informed democratic choice.

Finally, as the largest group of people who turn out to vote, we in DSV are seriously concerned at how demoratic this election will be.

What if there is a low turnout because people lack information or are apathetic? Voting figures in local elections are generally low, and if that is the case the appointment will lack even the veneer of being democratic.

Gillie Newcombe

Chairman

Devon Senior Voice