A fresh pair of eyes

While campaigning some people have said to me, "it is good that you bring a fresh pair of eyes to this new role, but don't you need to be a policeman to be the Commissioner?"

It is important that everyone understands that the Chief Constable, who has long experience & detailed knowledge of policing, heads the police service and will be in charge of operational delivery. 
The Police and Crime Commissioner is not just another police man, but someone who should see things from a different perspective, represent people and ask difficult questions. Having not been in the police service I would enter this role with no baggage and no preconceived ideas.
The Lib Dems set up a working group to look at policing. The joint chair is Tom Brake MP who has no police experience, but Tom has done a great job because he also came to his role with a fresh pair of eyes.
One final fact - The head of the police service is the home secretary - There has never been a home secretary with any police background.