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Theme 1: The Role of the Police and Crime Commissioner
FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PCC
The main functions and responsibilities of a Police and Crime Commissioner are to:
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Produce a Police and Crime Plan which sets out the overall strategy for policing and crime reduction in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for four years Set the Council Tax precept level and the annual police budget Bring together community safety and criminal justice partners, to ensure local priorities are joined up Hold the Chief Constable to account for the performance of the police force Contribute to the national and international policing capabilities set out by the Home Secretary Public engagement and consultation Oversight of fire service governance Collaboration
The PCC is appointed to be the voice of local communities and involves engaging with the public, partners and the police force to ensure effective and efficient policing on a local level, whilst also contributing to national requirements. Based on their mandate, a PCC sets the strategic priorities of Hampshire policing area in consultation with the Chief Constable and wider community and partners.
It is not the role of PCC to run the police force. Operational responsibility and decisions lie with the Chief Constable. A PCC must have regard to the Policing Protocol issued by the Home Secretary, which clarifies the respective functions of a PCC and Chief Constable and how they are expected to work together to prevent and reduce crime and improve policing. The PCC may be required to appoint the Chief Constable and if necessary dismiss them.
POLICE, FIRE AND CRIME COMMISSIONERS
The Policing and Crime Act 2017 introduced opportunities for PCCs to take on responsibility for fire and rescue governance. Under the legislation PCCs can, join their local Fire and Rescue Authority, alternatively PCCs can consult the public and submit a business case to the Home Secretary seeking to replace the Fire and Rescue Authority in their area. This option formally creates a Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC).
PFCCs are additionally responsible for: • Putting in place arrangements to deliver an efficient and effective fire and rescue service Setting the fire and rescue objectives for their area through a fire and rescue plan Appointing the Chief Fire Officer, hold them to account for delivery of objectives, and if necessary dismiss them Setting the service budget and determine the precept
POLICE COMPLAINTS SYSTEM
The Policing and Crime Act 2017 provides an opportunity for PCCs to take greater responsibility for how public complaints against the police are handled. The aim of the reform is to have a more transparent and independent system with effective local oversight. There are certain aspects that are mandated for the PCC, including an independent complaint review function which has moved from the Constabulary, and an oversight procedure for the complaints system. Other aspects, such as OPCCs being the first point of contact for all complaints against the police, are optional. It is for individual PCCs to determine if they want to introduce the optional elements, having considered a business case with the Chief Constable. These reforms took effect from 1 February 2020.
• Elect the Police and Crime
Commissioner and hold him to account for the police service they receive • Pay taxes – part of their taxes
among other things, for policing in England and Wales • The council tax police precept is raised by the PCC to help pay for local policing services RAISE CONCERNS AND PAY POLICING PRECEPT
TAXES GOVERNMENT
FUNDING AND NATIONAL POLICING PRIORITIES
• Sets national policing priorities, known as the
Strategic Policing Requirement (i.e. counter terrorism, mutual aid) • Sets legislation that governs policing • Allocates funds to PCCs in England and Wales
POLICE & CRIME PANEL
• Supports and scrutinises the Commissioner • Reviews proposed appointments of certain senior positions • Reviews the PCC’s proposed precept SUPPORTS & SCRUTINISES
• Monitor and report on forces and policing activity to encourage improvement • Provide advice to the
Force
• Make information on police performance accessible
• Carry out Force inspections and publish findings INSPECT
• Led by the Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney • Deliver operational policing • Protect the public • Prevent crime and anti-social behaviour
• Investigate crime • Help victims of crime • Operate in line with the Code of Ethics DIRECTION & CONTROL
• Has been elected by the public and is accountable to them for the performance of the Force • Provides the link between the police and communities
• Translates the legitimate demands of the public into action
• Sets the strategy for policing and crime and disorder reduction outlined in the Police and Crime
Plan
• Sets the budget and council tax precept • Owns all police assets (i.e. buildings, equipment and vehicles) • Hires and (if necessary) fires the Chief Constable • Sets measures, and holds the Chief Constable to account for performance of the Force • Commissions a range of services to deliver his
Police and Crime Plan – services for victims and
improve criminal justice • Contributes to national and local consultations & policy debates on matters relevant to policing and crime
SETS POLICING STRATEGY & BUDGET ADVISES ON STRATEGY & BUDGET
• Leads the o cers and sta of Hampshire Constabulary • Accountable to the Commissioner for the performance of the Force • Advises PCC on strategy and budget to meet current threats and risk • Directs and controls the Force
• Responsible for the operational delivery of policing • Has operational independence and complete discretion as to who, or what, should be investigated • Explains to the public the operational actions of For more o cers and sta information • Responsible for the Force’s Purpose and on the activities of
Areas of Focus the Police and Crime • Is politically independent Commissioner please visit
