Police and Crime Panel (PCP)
On the 15th of November 2012, the public of North Wales will go to the polls to elect the first Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) for North Wales.
The PCC will be responsible for holding the Police force to account for the policing service delivered in north Wales and in turn the Police and Crime Panel (PCP) will hold the commissioner to account.
Role of the PCP
The police and crime panel (PCP) will have power to scrutinise PCC activities, including:
- requiring the PCC to respond to any concerns they have
- making recommendations on the crime plan and annual reports
- vetoing the PCC's appointment of the chief constable and the level of local tax (the precept level)
The panel can also seek a professional view from HMIC regarding potential dismissals, and will agree on a lead authority to hold central funding and provide scrutiny support.
PCP Membership
PCPs will comprise of one elected representative (councillors) from each local authority within the force area and two independent members or co-optees.
There must be a minimum of ten elected representatives, each authority will be required to send one member with the remaining seats to be negotiated locally and filled by the member authorities.
The Home Office’s intention is to allow PCPs and member councils to decide what membership works best for their force area, taking into account the legislative framework and the balanced appointment objective.
Further information
Local Government Association Centre for Public Scrutiny guidance on PCPs
The Policing Protocol Order is a statutory instrument which sets out the relationship between the PCC, Chief Constable, the PCP and the Home Secretary as well as defining Operational Independence
Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011