About
This website is primarily for people who are interested in or intending to stand in the election for Police and Crime Commissioner of Avon and Somerset. The website is a way of sharing information with candidates to help ensure that all candidates are treated equally and fairly. The website content is maintained by the Avon and Somerset Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner with support from the Police Area Returning Officer (PARO).
The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)
The role of the PCCs is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account. They are responsible for the totality of policing. PCCs aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service within their force area.
PCCs have been elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the force to account, effectively making the police answerable to the communities they serve.
PCCs should ensure community needs are met as effectively as possible. They work in partnership across a range of agencies at local and national level to ensure there is a unified approach to preventing and reducing crime.
Under the terms of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, PCCs must:
- secure an efficient and effective police for their area.
- appoint the Chief Constable, hold them to account for running the force, and if necessary dismiss them.
- set the police and crime objectives for their area through a police and crime plan.
- set the force budget and determine the precept.
- contribute to the national and international policing capabilities set out by the Home Secretary.
- bring together community safety and criminal justice partners, to make sure local priorities are joined up.
Read more about the role of a PCC on the website of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.
About the Police and Crime Commissioner elections
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) were first elected in 2012 and there have been further elections in 2016 and 2021. The normal term of office for a PCC is four years but the elections scheduled to take place in 2020 were deferred for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The next elections are due to take place on 2 May 2024.
The Police Area Returning Officer (PARO) is responsible for the preparation and coordination for the election and will announce the result of the count.
You can read about this on the website of the PARO.
Additional information is also available on the website of the Electoral Commission.
Election Board
The Chief of Staff of the Avon and Somerset Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has established an Election Board to oversee work to prepare for the 2024 PCC election.
Read the PCC Election Board Terms of Reference.
About the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC)
The OPCC exists to support the PCC in carrying out their role – the OPCC are akin to the Civil Service for the Government.
Read more about the OPCC.
About the Police and Crime Panel
The purpose of the Police and Crime Panel is to both support and scrutinise the work and the decisions of the PCC. The panel is made up of councillors and independent members from across Avon & Somerset.
The Panel have key roles in the PCC’s decisions to increase the precept, appoint the Chief Constable and appoint senior members of the OPCC, among other things.
Read more about this on the Police and Crime Panel website.