IT IS probably not stretching the point too far to describe the introduction of police commissioners as one of the biggest changes to policing this country has seen in decades.

And yet there has been, in our view, little in the way of public debate.

Of course, that could all change as the November elections draw closer but up to now the issue does not seem to have caught the public imagination.

For critics of the idea, and there are many, it is as if the nation is sleepwalking into what is a significant change which will give one person in each police force area considerable power.

Police commissioners will be able to determine priorities, set budgets and to hire and fire chief constables.

They will take over the role currently carried out by police authorities.

Supporters say the election of police and crime commissioners will increase transparency and accountability, opponents say the exact opposite is the case.

According to the Home Office the commissioners are there to be the voice of the people.

And as we are reporting today there are independent candidates standing.

But with the major parties also putting forward candidates it is difficult to see how, in at least some cases, the commissioners will not just become the voice of their national political masters.