Elections to decide who will be your Police and Crime Commissioner are taking place today. The Police and Crime Commissioner is to ensure the policing needs of their communities are met as effectively as possible, bringing communities closer to the police, building confidence in the system and restoring trust. If you care about reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in your area, you should use this election to have your say.
Police and Crime Commissioners will be accountable for cutting crime in your area by focusing local policing on the crime issues your community cares about the most. They will give the public a voice at the highest level, and give the public the ability to ensure their police are accountable. They will aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service within the force area.
They will do this by:
It will not be for the Police and Crime Commissioners to tell the professionals how to do their job. The legislation continues to protect the operational independence of the police by making it clear that the chief constables retain direction and control of the forces officers and staff. The operations of the police will not be politicised; who is arrested and how investigations work will not become political decisions.
Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm so make sure you go and cast your vote.
