The Home Office is preparing to dismantle the system of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) across England and Wales, marking a significant shift in how local policing is overseen. Ministers are set to announce that the controversial roles will be abolished, with their powers and responsibilities handed over to directly elected mayors and local councils.
The End of an Era for PCCs
Introduced by the Conservative government in 2012, Police and Crime Commissioners were designed to make police forces more accountable to the public through elected officials. These posts came with substantial authority, including control over large budgets and the power to dismiss chief constables. For over a decade, they have been a central feature of the policing landscape.
Why the System is Being Scrapped
Despite their intended purpose, PCCs have faced persistent criticism. Opponents have long argued that the roles are ineffective and a waste of taxpayer money, failing to deliver the promised improvements in police accountability. This perception of underperformance has ultimately led ministers to conclude that a different model of governance is required.
A New Model for Police Oversight
The government's plan involves a fundamental restructuring of police accountability. Oversight of local policing will be transferred away from individual PCCs and integrated into the portfolios of mayors and councils. This move is seen as a step towards simplifying the governance structure and embedding policing priorities within broader local authority strategies.
The abolition of PCCs represents one of the most substantial reforms to police governance since their inception. It signals a government U-turn on a key Tory policy and opens a new chapter for public accountability in policing.
