National police and crime commissioner roadshows kick off in lancashire
Lancashire played host today to the first of a series of regional roadshows designed to prepare communities for the arrival of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs).
In ten months time 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.
The job of PCCs 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 to account the local chief constable for the 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.
In preparation for the arrival of PCCs, Home Office representatives met with local authorities and criminal justice, voluntary, community safety and health organisations in Lancashire to discuss opportunities for close working with PCCs.
It was also a chance for organisations to raise questions about PCCs ahead of their election later this year.
Nick Herbert Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice 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 Lancashire 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.’
Notes to editors
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On 15 November 2012 the public will take to the polls to elect 41 Police and Crime Commissioners across England and Wales.
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For interviews with Nick Herbert Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice call the Home Office press office on 0207 035 3535.