Michael Lane, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has made clear he does not intend to appoint an assistant commissioner on the Island.
Previous assistant
Six months after becoming the first Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in 2014, Simon Hayes appointed an assistant commissioner to support his work and represent him for those living on the Isle of Wight.
When his term came to an end prior to the elections in May, so did the role of his well-respected assistant commissioner, Laura Franklin.
Will there be a new assistant?
Since taking up the position of PCC in May 2016, many residents have asked whether Michael Lane would be appointing an assistant here on the Island.
In response, Michael Lane has said very firmly that he would not.
Lane: “I am the Isle of Wight’s Police and Crime Commissioner”
He told OnTheWight,
“I am often asked if I am going to appoint an Island-based assistant commissioner. My firm response is I am the Isle of Wight’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
“My responsibility is to ensure the Island has its proper place in my police and crime plan, therefore on any occasion when I need to be on the Island, I will be. On any occasion I need to consider issues relating to the Island, they will be in my in-tray.
“I will act on the community’s needs. I will be visible, accountable and accessible to all residents in the force area.”
