A NEW group to help shape policing in Bolton is being set up.

Officers are looking for people from a range of backgrounds and ages to join the Independent Advisory Group.

It will work closely with senior officers to influence the service provided.

It will include advising police on how best to respond to certain incidents, assisting with the development and delivery of training , helping with pre-planning for festivals and events, scrutinising new policies and acting as a link between various communities and the police.

Bolton Divisional Commander, Ch Supt David Hull, pictured, said: “Our IAG will be another way of communicating with people from the many diverse communities that make up our town as well as enabling us to build closer links with those people who have a real interest in helping us to improve the service we deliver. I would encourage anybody who feels they could make a valuable contribution to policing to get in touch, find out more and, hopefully, consider joining the group. This includes people who may have had negative experiences in the past, but who are willing to work with us to make things better for the future.”

Members will be required to remain independent and advise
the police when
necessary. Members can help
the police to get messages out to
communities and improve
confidence and trust in the
police.
But it is also a forum for
representatives to have access to
senior police in Bolton .
Anybody interested in becoming
a member of the IAG should
contact Julia Wharmby,
divisional commander’s
personal assistant, for an
application form on 0161 856
5505.