A SCHEME that gives residents the chance to help improve the service the police offer to the local community is being piloted in Colne.

The Victim and Community Advisory Panel will look at various aspects of the policing service, from helping neighbourhood policing teams to develop closer relationships with communities, to helping update people with accurate details of how crime and disorder is being managed by criminal justice agencies.

Chief Inspector Jon Bullas, who is leading the scheme, said: “We are looking for people from all backgrounds with a variety of different skills and experiences to help us with this project.

“We are particularly keen to involve victims of crime or anti-social behaviour - their first hand experience of dealing with the police and the courts will be invaluable.”

Anyone who is approved as a panel member will be offered advice, guidance and support to help them carry out the role Appropriate training will be provided and members will be able to claim certain travelling and other out of pocket expenses.

Chief Inspector Bullas said: “We understand that people’s time is valuable and they may want to volunteer for a variety of reasons. We are committed to developing people’s skills as a volunteer within our organisation.”

Volunteering as a panel member will give people an opportunity to contribute to how justice is delivered in their neighbourhood, build on or develop interpersonal skills and to gain an insight into how the police, courts, probation and many more justice agencies work together to deliver services.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Victim and Community Advisory Panel can contact Cheryl Furness on 01282 472173.