The government has announced a significant overhaul of the police system by deciding to abolish the role of police and crime commissioners (PCCs). Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the PCC system introduced by the Tories as a failed experiment and proposed transferring accountability for local police forces to mayors.
PCCs, elected officials responsible for setting police budgets and appointing chief constables, were initially introduced in 2012 by former Home Secretary Theresa May. The Home Office minister, Sarah Jones, criticized the PCC model for weakening local police accountability and its negative impact on chief constable recruitment.
In a statement to the Commons, Jones announced plans to phase out PCCs by 2028 and transition their functions to mayors where possible. For areas where this transfer is not feasible yet, new policing and crime boards will be established to oversee the police force with input from council leaders.
Jones emphasized that the decision to abolish PCCs was not a reflection of their shortcomings but a strategic move to enhance local leadership in crime prevention and community safety. The move is expected to save taxpayers at least £100 million and allocate more resources to frontline policing.
The Labour Party has long advocated for the abolition of PCCs to redirect savings towards frontline policing efforts. The government plans to publish a Police Reform white paper outlining its policing agenda later this year.
However, the decision to abolish PCCs has faced criticism from Emily Spurrell, the chairwoman of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, who warned of creating an accountability gap in local policing. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood assured that the reforms would ensure police accountability to local mayors or councils, leading to increased police presence in communities to combat crime and safeguard public safety.
Mahmood thanked current and former PCCs for their service to communities and recognized their ongoing commitment until the completion of their terms.