Press release

Government publishes draft protocol for new police and crime commissioners and chief constables

In the journey towards the introduction of the first Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in May 2012, the government today published a draft protocol setting out the relationship between PCCs and Chief Constables.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

In the journey towards the introduction of the first Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in May 2012, the government today published a draft protocol setting out the relationship between PCCs and Chief Constables.

As set out in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill currently being debated in the House of Lords, Police and Crime Commissioners will have a number of statutory functions as part of their role to hold police forces to account. These include setting the strategic direction of the force, holding the Chief Constable to account and setting the budget.

The draft protocol sets out the PCC’s legal duty to maintain an efficient and effective police force, and to provide the local link between the police and the public. They will work to translate the legitimate desires and aspirations of the public into action on the part of the Chief Constable to cut crime and antisocial behaviour.

It also sets out responsibilities for areas other than the police force, such as the delivery of community safety through bringing together Community Safety Partnerships, and entering into collaboration agreements with other PCCs and forces to deliver better value for money and enhanced policing capabilities.

The government has made a strong commitment to ensuring that the operational independence of Chief Constables will remain. The draft protocol, laid in the House of Lords today, builds on this commitment by making clear that Chief Constables retain the direction and control over the force’s officers and staff.

Policing and Criminal Justice Minister Nick Herbert said: 
 
‘The government is determined to replace police authorities with directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners, to strengthen the local accountability of policing, give communities a voice and enable less interference from Whitehall.

‘This draft protocol sets out the proper roles of Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables, and makes clear that the operational independence of the police will be safeguarded.

‘We hope that the draft protocol will help to inform debate on the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, and we welcome comments on it.’

In addition, the draft protocol also sets out the powers and functions of the Police and Crime Panel (PCP), which will scrutinise the decisions of the PCC. It states that, where the PCP seeks to scrutinise the PCC on an operational matter, the Chief Constable may also need to appear before the panel to offer factual accounts and clarity regarding the actions and decisions of police officers and staff.

Furthermore, the draft protocol underlines the commitment to limiting the role of the Home Office in day-to-day policing matters, while restating the powers retained by the Home Secretary for use as a last resort in defined circumstances. These powers allow the Home Secretary to direct the PCC and Chief Constable to take action if they are failing to carry out their functions.

The government committed during the passage of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill in the House of Commons to bring forward a draft protocol with the aim of making it available for consideration of the Bill in the House of Lords. A memorandum of understanding was recommended by the Home Affairs Select Committee.

The draft protocol has been drawn up in association with representatives from Association of Chief Police Officers, the Association of Police Authorities and the Association of Police Authority Chief Executives.

Notes to editors

For a copy of the document, please contact Home Office press office on 020 7035 3535.

Published 11 May 2011