Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner
Post	Police and Crime Commissioner
Body	Surrey
Incumbent	Lisa Townsend
Incumbentsince	2019-05-10
Formation	2012
Inaugural	Kevin Hurley
Appointer	Electorate of Surrey
Termlength	Four years
Website	Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner

The Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner is an elected official responsible for setting policing priorities and overseeing the performance and budget of Surrey Police in the county of Surrey. The office interfaces with institutions such as the Home Office (United Kingdom), the Crown Prosecution Service, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and local authorities including Guildford Borough Council, Woking Borough Council, and Reigate and Banstead Borough Council. Commissioners liaise with regional bodies like the South East England partnerships, national agencies including National Crime Agency, and community groups across towns such as Epsom, Staines-upon-Thames, and Camberley.

Role and responsibilities

The commissioner sets a strategic Police and Crime Plan that directs Surrey Police priorities and resource allocation across policing divisions in Surrey, aligning with national frameworks from the Home Office (United Kingdom), coordination with the National Crime Agency, and engagement with criminal justice partners such as the Crown Prosecution Service and the Probation Service (England and Wales). Responsibilities include appointing or dismissing the Chief Constable of Surrey, approving the force budget and precept set by Surrey County Council decisions, commissioning victim services in partnership with organisations like Victim Support and local charities, and representing Surrey in regional security forums alongside agencies such as MI5 and HM Courts & Tribunals Service. The post requires interaction with parliamentary actors such as members from Surrey Heath (UK Parliament constituency), Guildford (UK Parliament constituency), and Woking (UK Parliament constituency), and oversight from the Surrey Police and Crime Panel composed of councillors from unitary and district authorities.

History and establishment

The post was created by the United Kingdom statute the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 to replace police authorities such as the former Surrey Police Authority, reflecting reforms advocated by figures including Theresa May during her tenure as Home Secretary (United Kingdom). The inaugural election in 2012 followed pilot schemes and precedents set by earlier scrutiny bodies including police authorities in counties like Kent and Essex. The role evolved in the context of wider criminal justice reforms involving institutions like the Crown Prosecution Service, the Ministry of Justice (United Kingdom), and scrutiny developments such as the establishment of the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Debates around the office have referenced national events including the 2011 England riots and policy responses from leaders like David Cameron.

Election and term

Commissioners are elected by voters registered in Surrey in elections applying the first-past-the-post voting system for most cycles, with terms lasting four years; exceptional circumstances such as resignations or deaths trigger by-elections subject to statutory provisions under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. The franchise includes electors on rolls maintained by local authorities like Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council. Campaigns involve party organisations such as the Conservative Party (UK), the Labour Party (UK), the Liberal Democrats (UK), and occasionally independent candidates, with electoral administration supported by the Electoral Commission (UK)].] Prominent electoral issues have included budget allocations, crime reduction strategies, and cooperation with bodies such as the National Crime Agency and Surrey County Council.

Incumbents

The inaugural holder was Kevin Hurley (police officer), elected in 2012 after a career including leadership roles and public commentary; he served until 2016. Subsequent commissioners have included candidates affiliated with national parties such as the Conservative Party (UK) and independents with backgrounds linked to organisations like Victim Support and former service in agencies such as Her Majesty's Prison Service. The current incumbent, elected in 2019 and re-elected thereafter, has worked with senior policing leaders including the Chief Constable of Surrey Police and collaborated with neighbouring PCCs for regions including Sussex and Metropolitan Police (London). Incumbents often maintain relationships with local MPs such as those from Guildford (UK Parliament constituency), Woking (UK Parliament constituency), and Reigate (UK Parliament constituency).

Policies and initiatives

Commissioners have launched initiatives addressing priorities like neighbourhood policing, tackling violent crime, and supporting victims through commissioned services provided by charities such as Victim Support and local voluntary groups in towns including Cobham and Farnham. Policy work has included investments in technology in partnership with suppliers used by forces across South East England, collaborations with the National Crime Agency on organised crime, and diversionary programmes aligned with services from the Probation Service (England and Wales). Commissioners have developed joint strategies with the Crown Prosecution Service on case progression, partnered with local health trusts in Surrey for initiatives around mental health and crisis intervention linked to the NHS Foundation Trusts, and supported community safety projects with district councils like Tandridge District Council.

Accountability and oversight

Oversight is exercised by the Surrey Police and Crime Panel, composed of councillors from borough and district councils and independent members, which scrutinises the commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan, precept proposals, and key appointments. National oversight bodies include the Independent Office for Police Conduct for complaint handling and the Home Office (United Kingdom) for statutory compliance. Judicial review processes in the High Court of Justice and audit functions by the National Audit Office or local auditors provide legal and financial accountability. Commissioners must publish transparency data complementing standards promoted by the Cabinet Office (United Kingdom) and engage with civil society organisations such as Liberty (human rights organisation) and Justice (advocacy group).

Criticism and controversies

Criticism has focused on politicisation concerns raised by parties like the Labour Party (UK), debates over the effectiveness of elected commissioners following coverage in outlets such as The Guardian and The Times, and complaints investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Controversies have involved disputes over precept rises approved in conjunction with Surrey County Council budget debates, contentious appointments drawing scrutiny comparable to cases in other areas like Greater Manchester and West Midlands, and legal challenges referencing the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. Campaign finance and transparency issues have been highlighted by watchdogs including the Electoral Commission (UK) and commentators linked to organisations such as Transparency International UK.

Category:Police and crime commissioners in England Category:Surrey