THE Gazette's parent company – the Essex Chronicle Media Group – and Anglia Ruskin University are giving you the chance to quiz the candidates in the county's very first police and crime commissioner election.
In 20 days time around 1.3 million Essex, Southend and Thurrock people will have the first chance to elect a top police chief.
But amid fears the voting turnout will be low, the Essex Chronicle Media Group and ARU decided to boost the process by co-hosting a hustings in the heart of the county.
You will get the chance to ask why it is better for the police to be overseen by one £80,000 a year US-style police and crime commissioner instead of a police authority.
And you will be able to ask how crime issues will be tackled in your local area.
Once elected the candidate will serve for four years and at our event you will be able to find out how they will work for you before voting on November 15.
The event will be held at the Lord Ashcroft Building, Anglia Ruskin University, please arrive at 6.45pm for a 7.15pn start on Wednesday, October 31.
Anglia Ruskin's deputy vice-chancellor, Prof Alan Sibbald, will chair the meeting with the six candidates on the panel.
The chairman will select as many questions as can be put in the 90-minute session.
If you have any questions for the candidates please email them in advance to editorial@gazettenews.co.uk marked "Police and Crime Commissioner Question," please include your name and address and telephone number if possible.
