Former detective sergeant Geoff Monaghan has some trenchant views on the policing plans of Policing and Crime Commissioners.
The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 provides for the replacement of police authorities with directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), with the aim of improving police accountability by ‘reconnecting’ the public with policing. Briefly, in accordance with section 1 of the Act, the core functions of the PCCs are to secure the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force within their area, and to hold chief constables to account for their functions. In particular, PPCs must hold chief constables to account for their delivery of the police and crime plans (PCPs). The PCP, drawn up in consultation with the chief constable and local communities,
sets out the priorities of the PCCs and reflects their wider community safety responsibilities.
