PCC — Police and Crime Commissioner

One-line definition

An elected official responsible for securing efficient and effective policing within their force area, setting the police budget, and holding the Chief Constable to account.

In plain English

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are elected officials in England and Wales responsible for overseeing the policing in their respective areas. PCCs were introduced by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, aimed at making police forces more accountable to the public they serve. They have the authority to set the priorities for local policing, ensuring that police services respond effectively to community needs. PCCs work closely with the Chief Constables to allocate funding, approve budgets, and ensure that strategies align with local safety needs. They are also responsible for engaging with the community to understand their concerns and incorporate feedback into policing strategies. In practice, this means that PCCs play a crucial role in influencing public safety, crime reduction initiatives, and police performance. Their office can be pivotal in fostering relationships between the police and the communities they serve, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness and trust in policing.

Key facts

• 1PCCs were established by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.
• 2There is one PCC for each police force area in England and Wales.
• 3PCCs are responsible for the police budget and financial oversight.
• 4They are elected by the public every four years.
• 5PCCs engage with the community to identify local policing priorities.

Who this affects

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