In the immediate wake of Boris Johnson forcing the resignation of Sir Ian Blair as head of London’s Metropolitan police force, Lib Dem Voice asked readers how you think police chiefs should be chosen: directly elected by the public; or appointed by democratically accountable local police authorities.
Here’s what you told us:
They should be directly elected by the public – 23% (70)
They should be appointed by democratically accountable local police authorities – 74% (227)
Don’t know / No opinion – 10 (3%)
Total Votes: 307 Poll ran: 2nd-16th October 2008
So, by a majority of 3:1, LDV readers rejected the idea of direct elections in favour of indirect democratic accountability of our police chiefs.
