Association of Police and Crime Commissioners
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Removing a Chief Constable is not a decision taken lightly

Responding to the Home Affairs Select Committee's initial findings on Police and Crime Commissioners' powers to remove Chief Constables, Tony Lloyd, Chairman of The APCC Board and Greater Manchester PCC said;

"In the vast majority of cases the relationship between Police and Crime Commissioners  and Chief Constables have developed strongly and purposefully. The appointment and removal of a Chief Constable is a duty that Police and Crime Commissioners take very seriously. Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables work together to decide the direction of travel of a force and Police and Crime Commissioners have a duty to hold Chief Constables to account for the delivery of the most efficient and effective service for the public. Commissioners are mindful that a good working relationship with their Chief Constable is good for force morale and will contribute to better decision making."

"The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 sets out the operational independence of Chief Constables and that is something that Police and Crime Commissioners respect. The Act specifically grants Police and Crime Commissioners powers and the duty to act accordingly within the public interest. This includes appointing, suspending and if required removing  Chief Constables where standards of service that the public deserve are not being met. The Act also states that a PCC can call upon a Chief Constable to resign or retire."

"The public elected Police and Crime Commissioners to hold Chief Constables to account so we welcome measures to improve transparency and enhance the confidence of the public. We will continue to work closely with Chief Constables to meet the demands of 21st century policing."   

Notes to Editors - PCCs and the APCC

1. For interviews / further information please contact Joel Charles on 07703 124 174.

2. 41 Police and Crime Commissioners replaced Police Authorities on 22.11.12 following elections in every police force area outside London in England and Wales on November 15th 2012.

3. The APCC is a company limited by guarantee. The APCC services are overseen and directed by the Chairman and Board of Directors

APCC Board of Directors;
Chairman of the APCC and Directors: Tony Lloyd PCC
Sir Graham Bright PCC
Anthony Stansfeld PCC
Vera Baird PCC
Ron Ball PCC
Simon Hayes PCC
Cllr Simon Duckworth

4. For the definitive list of PCCs and more information about the Board of the Association of PCCs please visit www.apccs.police.uk

5. The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) offers the following services to PCCs:

  • Information on national policing policy issues and legislation.
  • Consults PCCs to enable them to develop policy positions and to influence change.
  • Facilitates the leadership of PCCs on national governance structures such as the College of Policing, National Crime Agency and Police Professional Bodies.
  • Assists PCCs in collaborating to share practice, procure services, and identify ways to achieve efficiencies through working together.


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