Home Secretary launches review of Police and Crime Commissioners model

The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has launched a review of the role of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) but has ruled out scrapping the model.

Measures to be considered in the review include:

• raising the profile of PCCs;
• giving the public better access to information about the performance of their PCC;
• sharing best practice so that PCCs are delivering consistently across the country;
• reviewing the relationship between PCCs and Chief Constables.

The review will not consider scrapping the PCC model nor will it review the 43 police force model.

The Home Office said the review will take place in two parts. The first stage, to be conducted over the summer, “will look at raising standards and improving accountability, so that all members of the public are getting a good service from their PCCs”.

It will also consider ways to strengthen the accountability of fire and rescue services.

The review’s second stage will take place following the PCC elections in May 2021 and will focus on longer-term reform. This will include looking at what extra powers PCCs need “to better fight crime in their areas”.

Longer-term plans, including increasing the number of mayors with responsibility for policing, will be detailed in the Local Recovery and Devolution White Paper, which the government intends to publish in the autumn.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “The British people want to know the police will uphold the law and then be held to account on that basis.

“This review will help to improve accountability, scrutiny and transparency, ensuring Police and Crime Commissioners always put the law-abiding silent majority who voted for them at the centre of their decision-making.”

Minister for Crime and Policing Kit Malthouse said: “We are committed to giving the police the powers and resources they need – it’s why we’re recruiting an additional 20,000 officers and are giving the biggest funding increase to policing in a decade.

“This review will help PCCs to deliver effective police forces who can cut crime and protect their communities.

“It will also ensure voters can hold PCCs accountable for performance – giving the public a stronger voice in matters of crime and justice.”