WIREDGOV

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) gathered in London yesterday to mark the anniversary of their first year in office.Representing the three groups Tony Lloyd, Chairman of The APCC Board and Greater Manchester PCC, Sir Graham Bright, Cambridgeshire PCC and Ron Ball, Warwickshire PCC said:

"Today's event will discuss how Police and Crime Commissioners can maintain and increase public confidence in policing.

PCCs are working hard to ensure local communities have a stronger voice in policing. Working with Chief Constables we are transforming the way forces interact with the public so that policing in the 21st century is more responsive to communities' concerns about crime.

This year PCCs have launched campaigns to raise awareness and seek change on key issues across the policing landscape. We have called for a review of the Proceeds of Crime Act so that communities benefit from criminals' ill-gotten gains and working with partner agencies we are determined to ensure that detainees and victims of crime with mental health problems receive the right care, at the right time and in the right place.

One of the key issues under discussion will be police integrity. We believe that it is essential that the public trusts the process for handling police complaints. The evidence is that the public have confidence in the police, but there is no room for complacency. The process must be independent, transparent, involve communities and be fair to those who are under investigation.

Keeping crime low is also central to public confidence. Although recorded crime is down to record low levels, PCCs remain alert to the task.

Even with low crime rates Police and Crime Commissioners are determined to support the needs of those that may become victims. With our new responsibilities in the criminal justice area we want a more joined up approach between criminal justice partners, voluntary and charitable sectors so that we enhance and improve services for victims. By working together and locally we can put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system. 

It was a challenge to set our force budgets this financial year and we have had to make difficult decisions so that we protect frontline policing. It is imperative that we continue to find ways to work better and smarter with taxpayers' money. By using technology to save police time and encouraging collaboration between forces and other potential partners, we are saving money and keeping more officers out on patrol."

Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims Minister, Damian Green said:  

"The introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners was a key part of the most comprehensive overhaul of modern policing in living memory.  These reforms are working and recorded crime has fallen by more than 10 percent under this government.   

"With such a significant reform, there were always going to be some difficulties along the way, but PCCs have come a long way since their election just 12 months ago. PCCs are now holding their forces to account, replacing the invisible police authorities, and giving the public a direct say in how their local police force operates."  

ACPO President Sir Hugh Orde said:

"The introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) has been a fundamental change to police accountability and governance. A year after their election, PCCs and chief constables are continuing to work hard to build productive, professional relationships, which benefit the communities they serve.

PCCs and chief constables both have a shared aim of cutting crime, protecting and serving their communities. PCCs are playing an important role in ensuring that the wider criminal justice response is robust, with those who are the most vulnerable in society being supported.

Chief constables want to be held to account in a robust and transparent way by their PCCs; and for them to properly hold their forces to account, a degree of tension is both necessary and healthy. It is important to recognise that while there have been some well publicised disagreements between chief constables and PCCs - the evidence to date is that most relationships are constructive and professional."

ENDS

Police and Crime Commissioners one year on document

Notes to Editors - PCCs and the APCC

1. For interviews / further information please contact Joel Charles on 07703 124 174.

2. 41 Police and Crime Commissioners replaced Police Authorities on 22.11.12 following elections in every police force area outside London in England and Wales on November 15th 2012.

3. The APCC is a company limited by guarantee. The APCC services are overseen and directed by the Chairman and Board of Directors

APCC Board of Directors;
Chairman of the APCC and Directors: Tony Lloyd PCC
Sir Graham Bright PCC
Anthony Stansfeld PCC
Vera Baird PCC
Ron Ball PCC
Simon Hayes PCC
Cllr Simon Duckworth

4. For the definitive list of PCCs and more information about the Board of the Association of PCCs please visit www.apccs.police.uk

5. The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) offers the following services to PCCs:

• Information on national policing policy issues and legislation.
• Consults PCCs to enable them to develop policy positions and to influence change.
• Facilitates the leadership of PCCs on national governance structures such as the College of Policing, National Crime Agency and Police Professional Bodies.
• Assists PCCs in collaborating to share practice, procure services, and identify ways to achieve efficiencies through working together.