On 15 November 2012, elections will be held in South Wales to elect the first Police and Crime Commissioner.
The Police and Crime Commissioner, or PCC, will replace the Police Authority. This individual will be responsible for overseeing the Chief Constable, and representing the public.
Responsibilities
The overall responsibility for the PCC will be to maintain an effective and efficient police service by holding the Chief Constable to account.
Other duties include:
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Appoint and, if necessary, dismiss the Chief Constable;
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Set policing priorities and produce an Annual Plan;
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Set the annual police budget and council tax precept;
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Publish Annual Report and Accounts;
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Consult with and involve the public.
More information on the responsibilities can be found here.
Police and Crime Panels
A Police and Crime Panel will be set up to scrutinise the work of the Commissioner. This will be made up of Councillors and Independent Members from across the South Wales area.
Click here for more information on Police and Crime Panels.
Why is this being introduced?
The Coalition Government wants to increase public accountability in the police service. The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 sets out how this will be achieved through the introduction of PCCs in each force area of England and Wales.
For more information on the elections, click here.