Press
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Friday 25 May 2007 - 247
AGM BRINGS CHANGES TO POLICE AUTHORITY
Changes were made to the line-up of Hertfordshire Police Authority on Friday (25 th) at its AGM in Hertford.
Chair, Ian Laidlaw-Dickson, was unanimously re-elected. However, there was a close-run competition for Vice-Chair, which was won by County Councillor Richard Smith. He takes over from Brenda Griffiths, who was appointed in 2006.
There were also changes to some of the Police Authority Lead (PAL) members. PALs champion local issues and represent the Authority on local partnerships, such as Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs).
Ian said: “I feel proud that the Authority has placed its trust and confidence in me for the fifth year running, and I welcome Richard as my Vice-Chair. I would also like to thank Brenda for her untiring commitment and contributions over the 12 months.
“The Authority lost a number of long-standing members in April but our three new members, Sue Warman, Bengie Walden and Kevin McGetrick, bring a wide range of skills and experience. All three have been appointed to Police Authority Lead roles. They will have a sharp learning curve as we have a challenging year ahead
“There are also changes to the Constabulary’s top team. However, there is a strong base on which they can build - crime has gone done in the last year and detections have increased.”
Ian Laidlaw-Dickson has been with the Authority since it was set up in 1995 and was Vice-Chairman for six years prior to being appointed Chairman in 2003. A retired manager for BT, he is a Labour County Councillor for Hemel Hempstead and Leader of the Labour Group. He lives in Hemel Hempstead with his partner, Julia, and daughter Rebecca, 24, and has lived in the county for over 40 years.
Richard Smith joined the Authority in 2000 and has chaired the Authority's Performance Scrutiny committee for the past four years. He is also the lead member for Welwyn Hatfield and until earlier this month had been a longstanding member of the local Borough Council.
Richard said: " I am delighted to have been elected to the Vice-Chairmanship and will do all possible to support the Chair and Authority over the coming year."
Richard lives in Welwyn with his wife, Erika and is the local Conservative County Councillor. They have four grandchildren and have also lived in the county for over 40 years.
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