16 October 2012 Last updated at 08:53 ET

University of Nottingham hosts top police job debate

Candidates standing for the role of police and crime commissioner (PCC) have been quizzed at a public debate at the University of Nottingham.

Taking part were independent candidates Dr Raj Chandran and Malcolm Spencer, Conservative Tony Roberts and Labour's Paddy Tipping.

The event's organiser Josh Levy said "no one knows about the election and no one knows about the candidates".

He said he hoped the event would raise awareness about the newly created role.

"It's all very ambiguous," he said.

Setting priorities

"Police issues affect every demographic in society - so people need to get involved."

Elections will be held in November to choose PCCs who will replace police authorities currently in charge of 41 forces in England and Wales.

PCCs will be responsible for setting priorities for their police force, overseeing its budget and hiring the chief constable.

Those in the biggest force areas will receive salaries of more than £100,000 and no prior police force experience is needed.

Ahead of the elections, BBC News has taken a look at the issues facing Nottinghamshire Police.

Nominations for candidates closes on 19 October.