Patel to review role of ‘missing’ police and crime commissioners
PRITI PATEL has announced a review of the role of police and crime commissioners amid concern that some, such as London’s mayor Sadiq Khan, have been “absent” or “missing in action” during the Covid-19 crisis.
The Home Secretary signalled move yesterday as sources accused some PCCS of “vacating the pitch when things get tough”.
She has Mr Khan in her sights as the capital’s mayoral election, delayed by the pandemic lockdown, looms next year and PCCS also face election.
Her criticism of Mr Khan at a Commons home affairs committee hearing yesterday prompted its chair, Yvette Cooper, to reprimand her for playing politics. PCCS were created in 2011 to be the voice of the people and to hold the police to account, with the first elections in 2012.
The review will investigate whether the “oversight dynamic” between the PCCS and their chief constables is working. There have been complaints of favouritism and personality clashes that obstruct efficiency in some forces.
Also under review will be whether central government should have more power to direct PCCS and what extra “tools and levers” they might need to “deliver more effectively” on Government crime and policing priorities.
“Some police and crime commissioners, such as Katy Bourne in Sussex, have been fantastic in ploughing on with recruitment, while backing the police to take on the rule breakers,” Ms Patel said. “Yet in places like London, local politicians have been missing in action as protests have descended into chaos and a small minority have flouted the rules – putting us all at risk.
“This review will help to improve accountability and transparency, ensuring [PCCS] always put the lawabiding silent majority who voted for them at the centre of decision-making.”