Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “This is yet another ill-thought through proposal from a government that has consistently demonstrated its complete lack of understanding of policing and community safety.
“Abolishing PCCs would remove the public’s only direct say in policing governance. It is PCCs who have ensured that ASB and road safety are policing priorities, because this is what the public wants. It is the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner which has worked tirelessly on the PCC's priorities for the benefit of local people and there is absolutely no acknowledgement of that in the government’s statement.
“There has been no consultation, no discussion and clearly very little coherent thought. Replacing PCCs with an appointed Board, whatever name it is eventually given, is merely a return to the invisible and toothless Police Authorities.
“PCCs hold Chief Constables to account – directly – on behalf of the public. This is a major win for those who find this an uncomfortable position. These proposals will replace a clear line of accountability with fragmented, multi-tiered structures and undermine public confidence at a time when trust in policing requires strengthening, not upheaval.”
Ends
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PCC Joy Allen has welcomed the launch of a new national Road Safety Strategy setting out unprecedented action to save lives on the UK’s roads
PCC Joy Allen explains in her own words why everyone needs to be vigilant and protect themselves against fraud
