THE first meeting of the Essex Police and Crime Panel is set to take place at the end of the month.

In November last year Essex residents elected the first Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Essex, marking a fundamental change to policing in the County. The PCC, Nick Alston, will be scrutinised by the Essex Police and Crime Panel which is chaired by county councillor John Jowers, cabinet member for communities and planning.

The panel consists of 15 councillors representing 12 districts, two unitary authorities and the County Council. There is also one co-opted member.

The panel’s role includes reviewing the police and crime plan, annual report and both scrutinising and supporting the activities of the PCC in holding the Chief Constable to account.

At its first meeting at County Hall in Chelmsford on Thursday, January 31, the proposed police precept for 2013/14 is one of the main items on the agenda.

County Councillor John Jowers, Cabinet Member for Communities & Planning, said: “As a panel, we will work as a critical friend to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex scrutinising new appointments, fresh ideas and plans which are put on the table. I’m positive that we have a good innovative panel with views that represent all areas of the county and we are looking forward to working with the Commissioner.”