WIREDGOV

Lord Stevens has set out his vision for a radical shake-up of policing across England and Wales.

The Commission calls for greater clarity over the broader social mission for the police and recommends that it should be enshrined in law.

Lord Stevens has called the PCC model flawed as a method of democratic governance and made a number of recommendations for the future of policing.

The report also outlines a range of options for enhancing local democratic accountability.

The Commission want to see the abolition of HMIC and the IPCC in favour of a new body to oversee standards and complaints. Lords Stevens also calls for a local policing commitment to ensure consistent standards of neighbourhood policing nationally.  

Tony Lloyd, Chairman of The APCC Board and Greater Manchester PCC, said:

"I welcome the greater attention on the social justice model of policing which is one of my key priorities. The report rightly focuses on preventing crime, harm and disorder and I support its emphasis on neighbourhood policing as a core commitment of all Police and Crime Commissioners.

It will come as no surprise that I do not agree with Lord Stevens' recommendation to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners. The Commission fails to highlight the innovative work of Police and Crime Commissioners which is transforming the working culture of forces so that the police work better and smarter with taxpayers' money. The Commission's suggestion to devolve policing powers to a policing board comprising of leaders of local authorities will not enhance police accountability and will lead to confusing the lines of responsibility between local government and the police. Local government and the policing service are both fundamentally different public institutions that require separate governance. Muddying the line of responsibility will remove the public's direct access to holding their local police force to account on how they spend taxpayers' money and handle police complaints. I also welcome the commitment to regional consultation to discuss the future of policing governance and urge all Police and Crime Commissioners to take part.

In 2016, the public will have a chance to give their verdict on how Police and Crime Commissioners have performed in their first term of office. I look forward to the election and setting out the reasons why Police and Crime Commissioners are now fundamental to protecting the public's voice in shaping local policing priorities."

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.