In November, the public across England and Wales in each of the 41 police force areas outside London will take to the ballot box to elect their own commissioner.
Their job will be to:
- cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service within their force area
- consult with the public to set policing priorities
- ensure local and national priorities are suitably funded by setting a budget and the local precept
- hold the local chief constable to account for the delivery and performance of the force
- ensure community needs are met as effectively as possible and deliver a real, tangible difference to the lives of the electorate they represent
Stronger voice
In preparation for their arrival, the minister has talked to local authorities, criminal justice, voluntary, community safety and health organisations about opportunities to work with the commissioners.
The event is also a chance for organisations to raise questions ahead of the elections.
He said: ‘The arrival of Police and Crime Commissioners will be the most significant democratic reform of policing in our lifetime.
‘From November, the people of Yorkshire and Humberside will have a stronger voice in how their streets are policed and will be able to turn to their PCC to hold the police to account on their behalf.’