Public gets chance to quiz police bosses

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet and the county's PFCC Danielle Stone will be in the hot seat next month

People have been given the opportunity to question police bosses about both crime and community safety.

Northamptonshire's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) Danielle Stone and Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet will take part in an online public meeting next month.

The Labour PFCC said it would be "an opportunity for people to have their own voices heard", while Mr Balhatchet said he would look forward to explaining "more about the work that we do to keep them safe".

The event takes place on 21 October between 18:30 and 20:00 BST.

Ms Stone said it was part of her job to hold the police chief to account

Ms Stone said: "It's my job to be the voice of the people in policing, and this is an opportunity for people to have their own voices heard.

"It's also my role to hold the chief constable to account, and this is an opportunity for members of the public to get involved in that process."

Mr Balhatchet added: "Building public confidence and trust in their police service starts with being visible and really listening.

"That's why I'm looking forward to hearing from people on this livestream and being able to answer their questions."

Questions about any policing or community safety issue will be welcomed - potentially covering subjects such as neighbourhood policing, violence against women and girls, retail crime and town centre safety, road safety or funding, the office of the PFCC said.

Questions can be sent in advance or submitted during the event and names would not be be read out during the broadcast or shared online, it added.