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I would like to think that, as you are reading this, you will know at least a little bit about what a Police and Crime Commissioner does. But what about the others in your circle of family and friends?
It has been a popular ploy, often at times of controversy or elections, for the broadcast media to stop people in the street and ask that question. Only to be met with blank expressions. That is probably because PCCs were introduced around the time of the great Brexit debate, when the amount of public information about this incoming new office was minimal by comparison.
So, in a belated attempt to fill that particular ‘black hole’, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) is aiming to raise the public’s awareness of the role, range and impact of PCCs – and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners and Mayors where appropriate. The part we play in preventing crime, improving community safety and rehabilitating offenders through a social media-led, video case study-based campaign.
You can see one example of how we are working with our partners to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour; and another showing how restorative justice, a practice in which I firmly believe, is helping to reduce re-offending. You can watch these both below.
It is also important to remember that you can influence how your police service works through your PCC, as I am elected by you to act as a bridge between you and the Constabulary.
PCCs have four main responsibilities: setting the police budget and the police priorities, which are laid-out in my Police and Crime Prevention Plan; I also appoint the Chief Constable, who is responsible for day to day operational policing decisions, and who I hold to account to provide strategic oversight to ensure progress is made against local concerns. This includes allocating funding from central government, and your contribution to policing through the council tax. And if you are not happy with my performance, you have the ultimate sanction through the ballot box every four years.
I also have other areas of influence, like helping to improve the Criminal Justice System, supporting and commissioning services to help victims of crime and working closely with local councils, health services, voluntary and community groups – and the other emergency services – to deliver a joined-up approach to community safety, preventing and reducing crime.
You can find out all you need to know about what I do here.