- Ex-BBC political reporter Chris Brierley is Gloucestershire’s first deputy police and crime commissioner
- He will lead on projects, represent the PCC in meetings, in public and act on his behalf as required by law
- PCC Martin Surl says the appointment of a deputy is necessary with the Government poised to devolve even more powers to PCCs
- The appointment was confirmed by Police and Crime Panel
Former BBC Political reporter Chris Brierley started work today as Gloucestershire’s first Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.
Mr. Brierley, 36, who joined BBC Radio Gloucestershire in 2005 and has also worked for BBC Radio 5-Live, BBC West’s Politics Show and the corporation’s political unit in London, will help share Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martin Surl’s burgeoning workload.
Mr. Brierley said, “There is so much good work going-on in Gloucestershire under the umbrella of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC). I am keen to play my part and help communicate it.
“It is a new challenge for me and I can’t wait to get down to work”.
Mr. Brierley will lead on a number of projects to be decided, represent the PCC in meetings, in public and act on his behalf as required by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, the legislation which created PCCs. His appointment was confirmed by the Police and Crime Panel last month.
Mr. Surl said, “Chris is joining us at a critical time. Not only am I about to introduce my new Police and Crime Plan but the Government has also indicated it’s keenness to devolve even more powers to PCCs.
“I already have a talented team and Chris will fit in well as we continue to develop a strategy regarding policing, crime and victims of crime. He has just the right background and experience I was looking for in a deputy to support me in my important role of engaging with the public”.
