Role of the Police and Crime Commissioner
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are elected officials, responsible for the totality of policing in their force area. They act as a visible local leader in the fight against crime, providing the link between the police and communities and working to turn policing and crime reduction strategies into effective action.
PCCs are expected to adhere to the Seven Principles of Public Life, as determined and published by the Nolan Committee – the ‘Nolan Principles’.
Key responsibilities of a Police and Crime Commissioner
Ensuring community needs are met effectively, improving local relationships by building confidence and restoring trust
Collaborating with agencies at local and national levels to ensure a unified approach to preventing and reducing crime
Setting police and crime objectives for their area.
Setting the force budget and determining its regulation.
As set out by the Home Secretary.
Coordinating with community safety and criminal justice partners to align local priorities.
Holding them to account for running the force, and if necessary, dismissing them.
Additional Responsibilities
PCCs have taken on a stronger role in the police complaints system, with three different levels of complaints oversight.
PCCs can be involved with their local fire and rescue authority, or submit a business case to the Home Secretary to take on governance of fire and rescue services, to become police, fire and crime commissioners (PFCCs). Here in Leicestershire, the Combined Fire Authority (CFA) is the governing body of fire and rescue services.
PCCs can commission a range of services and schemes including, victims services, reducing reoffending, youth diversion schemes, and drugs and alcohol services.