Police and Crime Commissioner

Police and Crime Commissioner
Post	Police and Crime Commissioner
Formation	2012

Police and Crime Commissioner

A Police and Crime Commissioner is an elected official in England and Wales responsible for overseeing territorial policing and setting priorities for local police services. The office interacts with national bodies such as the Home Office (United Kingdom), regional institutions like the Greater London Authority and partners including the Crown Prosecution Service and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. Holders of the office engage with civic actors such as the Local government in the United Kingdom, the Mayor of London, and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.

Role and Responsibilities

Police and Crime Commissioners are charged with setting strategic priorities for a police area, framing the police and crime plan, and determining budgets and precepts in collaboration with police chiefs such as the Chief Constable. They liaise with criminal justice stakeholders including the National Crime Agency, the Serious Fraud Office, and the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales to influence responses to issues like organized crime, cybercrime, and domestic violence. Commissioners appoint and, if necessary, dismiss chief constables, oversee performance indicators from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, and commission victim services delivered by organizations such as Victim Support and local charities. They also interact with devolved institutions like the Welsh Government and statutory frameworks including the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

History and Development

The office was created in the context of reform initiatives promoted by the Conservative Party (UK) and enacted by the Coalition government of the United Kingdom (2010–2015), under legislation introduced by the Home Secretary of the United Kingdom. The model drew comparisons with elected figures such as the Mayor of London and mirrored similar roles in jurisdictions like the United States where elected sheriffs oversee policing in some states. Debates during passage invoked precedent from inquiries such as the Hillsborough disaster and reports by bodies like the Independent Police Complaints Commission, with advocates citing accountability reforms recommended in papers from the Institute for Public Policy Research and opponents referencing concerns raised by the Labour Party (UK), Libertarian Alliance, and civil society groups.

Election and Tenure

Commissioners are elected by local electorates in contests administered alongside other polls overseen by the Electoral Commission (United Kingdom). Early elections used the Supplementary Vote system before some jurisdictions considered alternatives recommended by the Electoral Reform Society. Terms are typically four years, subject to legislative changes and exceptional events such as postponements considered by the Secretary of State for the Home Department. Candidates have included members of parties like the Conservative Party (UK), the Labour Party (UK), the Liberal Democrats (UK), as well as independents and figures from pressure groups including Liberty (UK civil liberties advocacy group). Tenure can end through resignation, recall procedures influenced by the Recall of MPs Act 2015 debates, or removal for incapacity via the High Court of Justice.

Powers and Accountability

Statutory powers derive from the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and subsequent statutory instruments implemented by the Home Office (United Kingdom). Commissioners set the police and crime plan, precept levels authorized by local billing authorities like county councils in England and unitary authorities of England, and submit annual reports to panels composed of councillors and independent members drawn from entities such as the Local Government Association. Oversight mechanisms include scrutiny by police and crime panels established under the Act, judicial review in the High Court of Justice, and investigatory roles by bodies like the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Financial accountability is subject to audits by the National Audit Office and external auditors appointed under the Local Government Act 1972 framework.

Interaction with Police Forces

Commissioners work directly with chief constables of forces such as Metropolitan Police Service, Greater Manchester Police, West Midlands Police, and Thames Valley Police to agree strategic priorities and performance measures. They commission services, influence force-level resource allocation alongside professional heads of unit like the Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, and participate in regional collaboration across forces via arrangements similar to the National Police Chiefs' Council. In cross-border investigations they liaise with international agencies including Europol and bilateral partners through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Operational independence of chief constables is preserved under legal doctrines referenced in cases heard by the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and the Court of Appeal of England and Wales.

Controversies and Criticism

The office has attracted controversy regarding politicization of policing, high-profile disputes between commissioners and chief constables seen in forces like Cumbria Constabulary and Kent Police, and concerns about low voter turnout noted by the Electoral Reform Society and media outlets such as the BBC. Critics from organizations including Amnesty International and civil liberties campaigners like Big Brother Watch argue about implications for civil rights and impartiality, while academic commentators from institutions such as the London School of Economics and University of Oxford have published analysis on effectiveness and democratic legitimacy. Legal challenges have arisen in matters involving procurement and dismissal decisions that proceeded to judicial review in courts including the High Court of Justice and drew commentary in journals like the Police Journal.

Category:Public offices in the United Kingdom