Government attempts to make police forces more accountable could see members of the public standing for election to the bodies that scrutinise them.

Police authorities act as watchdogs that hold forces to account, reviewing police practice and setting budgets.

A Government Green Paper is proposing creating posts on police authorities for ordinary members of the public. Ballots would take place at the same time as local government elections.

Thames Valley Police Authority is due to deliver its verdict on the Government's proposals at its September meeting today.

Under the Government's plans, the public would elect crime and policing representatives. These people would make up the majority of members on any police authority.

Police authority members are unpaid for their work. Thames Valley Police Authority includes representatives from Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire county councils and from seven other unitary councils.

It also includes independent members chosen from applicants who have responded to a public advertisement.