Association of Police and Crime Commissioners
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What might Police and Crime Commissioners prioritise?

Simon Duckworth, Chairman of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners' Transition Board commented:  "Our research shows that listening to local communities tops the list of priorities for prospective Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs). It's clear that all 192 PCC candidates have been listening carefully to the public and stand ready to tackle their concerns across a wide range of police and crime issues. This Thursday is your chance to shape how your community can be kept safe - we encourage everyone to cast a vote. For more information see www.choosemypcc.org.uk or www.apccs.police.uk ."

Potential PCCs' priorities and areas of interest: our analysis of candidates' own websites and their addresses on
www.choosemypcc.org.uk has revealed that PCCs' most commonly-cited priorities are;

1.      Listening to the public (118 candidates mentioned this)

2.      Addressing the needs of victims (115 mentioned)

3.      Protecting the 'Front line' and visible policing (113 mentioned)

4.      Securing efficiency and cutting bureaucracy (107 mentioned)

5.      Neighbourhood Policing and volunteering (106 mentioned)

The full analysis of candidates most-cited priorities is
here.

A 'wordle' (pictogram) of the results is also available
here.

Background: our research and analysis of candidates' own election addresses shows that of the total of 192 candidates running across 41 police areas;

  • 99 (51.56%) are or have been elected politicians (councillors, MPs, MEPs, Assembly Members or a combination thereof)
  • 39 (20.3%) are known to have served on a police authority
  • 32 (16.6%) are known to have been employed by or served within the police service (predominantly former officers but also some Special Constables)
  • 26 (13.5%) have experience of work within the criminal justice sector, but outside of the police service
  • 16 (8.3%) are known to have served in the armed forces
  • 16 (8.3%) are known to be, or have been a Magistrate
  • 35 (18%) of candidates are women 

Party affiliations: there are

  • Labour and the Conservatives candidates in every area (the Labour candidate in Northamptonshire withdrew after the relevant deadline so therefore remains on the ballot paper)
  • 54 (28%) Independent candidates (34, or all but 7 areas have at least one Independent candidate; there are 6 running in Devon and Cornwall)
  • 24 Liberal Democrat candidates
  • 24 UKIP candidates
  • 5 English Democrat candidates

Also standing:

  • One Green Party candidate (Cleveland)
  • One Justice and Anti-Corruption Party candidate (Hampshire)
  • One British Freedom Party candidate (Bedfordshire)

Looking for results? The revamped APCC website will be the place to get emerging results and commentary on these crucial new elections first from polling day and throughout the weekend. One result (Wiltshire) will be announced on Thursday night / early Friday morning and the rest are expected during the day on Friday (counts begin at various times from 9am onwards), so keep an eye on our twitter feed and rolling results service and tallies here: www.apccs.police.uk .

Interviews? The APCC are happy to assist with setting up interviews with the main players wherever possible and can provide expert views and insight into the new system of oversight. Please call Nathan on 07714 399 760.

Notes to editors - PCCs and the APCC

1. For interviews / further information please contact Nathan Oley on 07714 399 760 or Joel on 07703 124 174.

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

3. For the definitive list of PCC candidates and more information about the Transitional Board of the Association of PCCs please visit www.apccs.police.uk.

4. The APCC is a transitional vehicle, commissioned by the Home Office to support candidates and help elected PCCs to meet the public’s expectations and to engage with the Government and other partners on national matters. The Transition Board of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) will offer the following services:

  • Provide advice to candidates
  • Facilitate a national programme of welcome and briefing for all PCCs
  • Build a strong and positive national profile for PCCs
  • Provide information on national policing policy issues and legislation
  • Consult PCCs to develop policy positions and influence change
  • Facilitate the leadership of PCCs on national governance structures such as the National Crime Agency, Newco (Police IT) and Police Professional Bodies
  • Assist PCCs in collaborating to share practice, procure services, and identify ways to achieve efficiencies through working together.

5. The APCC is funded until the end of March 2013; once elected PCCs will make their own decisions about a national representative body beyond this date.

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