NPCC Chair statement following announcement to abolish PCCs

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said:

“We recognise and are grateful to the contribution so many Police and Crime Commissioners have made, and will continue to make during this transition period.  

“Democratic accountability of operationally independent policing is essential. Bringing strong, integrated local leadership and the voice of communities into our service is a vitally important part of policing by consent.   

“Chief officers will always support strong local scrutiny – and the most effective methods through which to deliver that.  

“Strong governance of policing is a key part of the overall vision for wider police reform, to ensure that the service can respond quickly and consistently to criminal threats at the local, regional and national level.   

“The Government has now set out proposals to move responsibility for police governance directly to elected mayors and policing and crime boards.

“As these proposals are developed, our focus remains on the same fundamentals; fighting crime; bringing offenders to justice; supporting victims; listening to our communities and working with local and national partners to prevent crime and protect the vulnerable, so people are safe and feel safe.”