PCC-election-Hampshire-800x533In November 2012, 41 Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) were elected across England and Wales. When PCCs took office they became responsible for a combined police force area budget of £8 billion. The role of the PCCs is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account. They are responsible for the totality of policing.

  • PCCs aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service within their force area.
  • PCCs have been elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the force to account, effectively making the police answerable to the communities they serve.
  • PCCs ensure community needs are met as effectively as possible, and are improving local relationships through building confidence and restoring trust. They 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.

Back then in 2012 the position was new, replacing the councillor-led police authority. After the poll people asked, was it really worth it? Just 15 per cent of the people of Hampshire turned out to vote. Now three-and-a-half years on it has become clearer what the PCC role is about.

The job is not about being the head of the police force. Operational decisions are made by the chief constable. Instead, the PCC is responsible for awarding contracts for services, running the estates and holds the chief to account.

It’s a powerful job and the winner will make decisions that will affect the community. Hampshire police has made statements about its commitment to recruiting from its diverse community. So it’s a shame that not a single woman or non-white person has put themselves forward.

There are seven candidates namely:

Richard Adair (Liberal Democrat),            Simon Hayes (Independent),

Don Jerrard (Independent),                        Michael Lane (Conservative),

Robin Price (Labour),                                     Roy Swales (Ukip)

and Steve Watts (Zero Tolerance Policing ex-Chief).

 

We asked the current Police and Crimes Commissioner about the role of the PCC…

 

Listen to the interview here:

 

Awaaz FM invited the candidates to our studio for a LIVE debate. We received confirmation from 4 candidates (Richard Adair, Simon Hayes, Don Jerrard and Robin Price) and you can hear the debate here:

 

DON’T FORGET THERE ARE 7 CANDIDATES AND YOU CAN VIEW THIER PROFILE AT www.choosemypcc.org.uk