A RECRUITMENT campaign is under way in a bid to attract members to the body that oversees Hampshire police.

Hampshire Police Authority is hoping to attract new independent members during the recruitment drive which starts next month.

More members are needed for the authority following a change in legislation which means that, from October 1, the category for magistrate members will no longer exist.

However, at least one of the new members must be a magistrate in order that links and knowledge of the Criminal Justice System are maintained. The change is to ensure that all members who are not councillors are appointed to police authorities in the same open and accountable manner.

The three new members will replace the three current magistrate members on the board and will serve a term of up to four years, working alongside the existing five independent and nine councillor members.

Their role will be to hold police to account for the delivery of an efficient and effective police service on behalf of the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.