People wishing to stand as a candidate for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington in May’s election can take part in an online briefing session later this month.
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are elected by the public to hold chief constables to account, making the police answerable to the communities they serve. PCCs also work with partners to ensure community safety needs are met as effectively as possible through community engagement, commissioning of services and grant funding of initiatives.
Commissioners also work in partnership across a range of agencies at local and national level to ensure there is a unified approach to preventing and reducing crime, as well as delivering an effective policing service for their area.
PCCs were introduced by the Government through the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act (2011).They are required to issue a Police and Crime Plan detailing their priorities for cutting crime through reduced reoffending, supporting victims and criminal justice, and delivering effective and efficient policing.
Prospective candidates wishing to stand in the PCC election on Thursday 6 May 2021 have until 4pm on Thursday, 8 April to submit their nomination.
More details about the role are available at www.durham-pcc.gov.uk/Your-PCC/Role-of-the-Commissioner.aspx.
Anyone considering standing for election can download a nomination pack at www.durham.gov.uk/nominationpacks.
Hard copies can also be requested from Durham County Council’s electoral services team by calling 03000 261 212 or emailing electoralservices@durham.gov.uk.
Ahead of the nomination deadline, an online briefing session will be held via Microsoft Teams for prospective candidates on Friday, 19 March at midday.
The session will cover:
• The role of the PCC
• Key dates within the election timetable
• How to complete and submit a nomination paper
• An overview of election processes.
To book a place for the session go to www.durham.gov.uk/nominationpacksor email General.EnquiriesPCVC@durham.police.uk
Further information and guidance for prospective candidates can also be found at www.durham.gov.uk/elections2021and www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent
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