GWENT’S new police commissioner will be taking on an “important and influential role” when starting the £70,000-a-year post this time next year, according to Gwent Police Authority’s chief executive.

Elections for Gwent’s first police and crime commissioner will be held on November 15, 2012 and the commissioner will start their new role on November 22, 2012.

The commissioners are being brought in across England and Wales, replacing the 42 police authorities that currently oversee policing across the country.

Shelley Bosson, Gwent Police Authority chief executive said: “The introduction of commissioners is a major change to the governance of policing, and the commissioner will have an important and influential role.

“The change will affect everyone in Gwent as the new commissioner’s responsibility is to make sure that Gwent has an effective and efficient police service.”

The commissioner will be responsible for setting local policing priorities, managing the Gwent Police’s budget, setting the police element of the council tax and have the ability to hire and fire the chief constable.

A police and crime panel, made up of councillors and independent members will be responsible for scrutinising the commissioner as well as have a duty to comment on the commissioner’s chief constable appointment and veto the commissioner’s police precept level.

Elections for the commissioner role will be held every four years.

Mrs Bosson said: “We are working with our colleagues in the Home Office, Welsh Government and the Welsh Local Government Association to ensure that there is a smooth transition to the new arrangements.

“My hope is that the changes will not impact on the tremendous work the chief and her team are doing to ensure that Gwent remains a safe place.”