The system of police and crime commissioners is set to undergo significant changes, marking the largest reform in policing in years. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has declared the Conservative’s implementation of PCCs as a failed experiment and proposed a shift towards making local police forces accountable to mayors.
Initially introduced in 2012 by then Home Secretary Theresa May, PCCs, who are elected officials, hold responsibilities such as setting budgets for their police forces and appointing the chief constable for their area. Home Office minister Sarah Jones criticized the PCC model in a statement to the Commons, highlighting weakened local police accountability and adverse effects on chief constable recruitment.
Jones announced plans to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners by 2028, transferring functions to mayors where feasible. In areas where policing transfer to mayors is not yet feasible, new policing and crime boards will be established to oversee the police force. The aim is to enhance local leadership in crime prevention, fostering safe communities and supporting business growth.
The decision to abolish PCCs by 2028 is projected to save taxpayers over £100 million and enhance frontline policing efforts. The move comes after a decade of calls by the Labour party to eliminate PCCs and redirect savings to frontline policing. A Police Reform white paper outlining the government’s policing agenda is expected to be released before the year’s end.