Croydon Police are recruiting members of the local community to join their Independent Advisory Group (IAG).

The IAG is a dedicated group of community volunteers who provide independent advice to senior police officers in Croydon. The aim of the group is to provide strategic advice and an external view on issues that may impact on local communities. The advice the group gives will contribute to the decision making process. However, all decisions will remain the responsibility of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Advisors are neither accountable nor liable for the advice given, and they do not perform any other role, for example mediation or meeting victims or witnesses.

Croydon Police Superintendent Dave Stringer said "This is a real opportunity for people with an in-depth knowledge of their local community to make a real difference, by providing independent advice to the police command team on how our actions might affect them".

Members of the public who would like to join the IAG should provide a short written application outlining why they wish to apply and what personal or professional experience they can bring to the group. The closing date for applications is Friday 30 January 2009.

Applications should be submitted to PC Linda Allen, Partnership Team, Croydon Police Station, 71 Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1BP, or via email. Please contact the Partnershiop Team on 020 8649 0288 for the email address.

Applicants will also be interviewed by existing Advisory Group members.

Further advice regarding the role can be obtained from the chair of the group, Mr Andrew Edwards, on 020 7358 1651.