I SEE there are several local people standing for the role of County Durham’s elected police commissioner (Echo, Apr 23). I wonder if they had to be Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checked before standing?

There are many jobs and voluntary sector applicants that need a CRB check, or even an enhanced check, before being offered employment.

How ironic it would be if we were to shortly elect a police commissioner with a criminal record then pay him anywhere up to £100,000.

Perhaps it is high time all those standing were openly and transparently CRB checked for their past convictions, spent or otherwise?

Am I the only one who thinks this is a job that should remain politically neutral and criminals and or politicians should be prohibited by law from applying?

I White, Hurworth.