Nottinghamshire Police Authority

Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act

Policing is undergoing a period of significant change, not least in the introduction of directly elected Police & Crime Commissioners (PCCs), a key element of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act.

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 was granted Royal Assent in September, heralding the replacement of the current Police Authorities with elected Police and Crime Commissioners.

The first elections will be held in November 2012 with Commissioners elected for each force area for a four year term of office.

The Commissioner will be expected to:

Set policing priorities for the Force
Produce a Policing and Crime Plan to meet those priorities
Hold the Chief Constable to account against the plan and priorities
Ensure the views of local communities are taken into account
Set the Force budget and council tax precept
Appoint (and if necessary dismiss) the Chief Constable
Publish an annual report on performance
Consult partners, stakeholders and the public

The Government believes Commissioners will make police more accountable to the public.

The Commissioner’s work will be overseen by a new Police and Crime Panel which will primarily consist of representatives of all Local Authorities in a Force's geographical area. The Panel is intended as a check and balance on the Police and Crime Commissioner, rather than on the Force itself.

Nottinghamshire Police Authority is working hard to ensure a smooth and efficient handover of responsibilities and further information on this will be available here over the coming months.

In addition, the Home Office is producing a series of bulletins regarding the establishment of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and in particular on their potential relationship with other local leaders. They will keep you informed about what is happening and local opportunities for partners to get involved. For the latest bulletins please click here

For more information on the elections please follow these links:

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/police/police-crime-commissioners/

http://www.hmic.gov.uk/pcc/