Police ‘will quit’ if Tories create elected bosses

One of Britain's top policemen clashed with David Cameron today over Tory plans for locally elected police chiefs.

Sir Hugh Orde, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, said chief constables would resign rather than take policy orders from the US-style commissioners, who would have sweeping powers to set budgets and priorities.

He said anti-terrorism policies and national efforts to catch serial rapists would be at risk, as they could clash with local political pressures and budgets. He said if he was a chief officer subjected to such control, he would quit.

Mayor Boris Johnson's ousting of Sir Ian Blair as Met chief last year has fuelled fears of greater political control over forces. Tories say the public want police to be more responsive to local views.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Sir Hugh said any "perception" of political influence over chiefs would undermine the service. He added: "We must be operationally independent in terms of how we deliver policing. We should not be influenced by anyone who has any potential for a political basis."