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
With the sharp rise in online pornography addiction, particularly among young people, PCC Joy Allen explains why a more robust response is needed.
PCC Joy Allen explains how new legislation will give police and partners a range of new tools and powers
PCC Joy Allen has welcomed the findings of an HMICFRS inspection into child protection arrangements
