Electing police commissioners

If you live in England or Wales November 15th should be a very important day for you. Because that's when the first-ever elections take place for Police and Crime Commissioners. Outside the capital, the police are currently accountable to more than 40 police authorities made up of councillors and independents. The powers of the 41 commissioners will be extensive and include appointing Chief Constables, deciding priorities for tackling crime and setting both the budget for policing and the precept on Council Tax. Sir Hugh Orde, President of the Association of Chief Police Officers, has described the elections as "the biggest change to policing since 1829". But there's real concern that turnouts may be low. John Beesley reports now on the campaigning in Northamptonshire.

This report was broadcast on Sunday 14th October on BBC Radio 4's The Westminster Hour.