What is a commissioner?

POLICE and crime commissioners were elected for the first time in England and Wales in 2012, and again in 2016.

Their job is to hold the chief constable and the force to account.

Commissioners set the force’s budget, determine the precept, and set police and crime objectives.

They cannot tell police how to do their job. Commissioners often represent political parties but must swear an oath of impartiality when they are elected to office.

They are scrutinised and held to account by police and crime panels, comprising councillors and independent co-opted members.

Ultimately the public decides commisioners’ fate every four years.