A FORMER top detective has added to the debate over the future of policing in Lancashire saying ex-officers shouldn’t be considered for a new job.

This week the Lancashire Telegraph revealed some Tory county councillors had been linked with the new £85,000-a-year police crime commissioner post, including current police authority leader Geoff Driver.

Elections in November will see the current police authority system replaced by a single figure to oversee each force.

Retired Det Supt Mick Gradwell confirmed he would not be standing himself.

He said: “I’m not comfortable with the role. But now that we’re going to have it, let’s get the best candidate we can for a very important role.

“I don’t want a celebrity; I don’t want party politics; I don’t want to see former police officers or someone who has just worked in the pubic or private sector.

“It needs someone who is dedicated to the simple view of making Lancashire a safer and better place through a common sense approach.

“It is such a complicated job I’m not sure £85,000 is enough.

“They need to have a broad strategic understanding of national issues and of local community issues and balance the two.

“If they come in shooting from the hip they could mess everything up.”