Elected police commissioners

Police forces could find themselves under the control of elected police commissioners as early as 2012.

The coalition government's plan to improve the accountability of police forces through the move is being unveiled today through a Home Office consultation.

Once elected, the police commissioners would be given the authority to control police forces budgets, as well as hire and fire chief constables.

Critics say the move could lead to the politicisation of the police, however.

Two years ago Conservative London mayor Boris Johnson triggered controversy by ousting Metropolitan police commissioner Sir Ian Blair. Sir Ian had been viewed as being closely associated with Labour politicians.