An election will be held on 15 November across the whole of Hertfordshire to elect the Police and Crime Commissioner, who will have the following powers:
- To appoint (and if necessary, dismiss) the Chief Constable
- To develop a Police and Crime Plan which sets out the priorities for policing
- Hold the Chief Constable to account for delivering the Plan
- Setting the policing budget and council tax precept for policing in Hertfordshire
- Represent the views of the public, and consult with victims of crime
- Work with local partners to reduce crime, promote community safety and ensure an effective criminal justice system
The Government is also intending to transfer some existing budgets to the Police and Crime Commissioner so they can be used on those schemes that can best improve community safety and crime reduction. Community Safety Grants currently administered by local councils will be transferred, and in time the grants for bodies such as Victim Support are also likely to be transferred.
For more information go to www.hertspa.org or follow them on Twitter @HertsPCC
The Police and Crime Commissioner will be scrutinised by a Police and Crime Panel, which will be made up of local councillors from across Hertfordshire. The Panel must be consulted on the Police and Crime Plan and, through a power of veto, will have a say in the appointment of the Chief Constable and the council tax precept for policing.
By the middle of October all candidates that are standing for election will need to have declared their intention. The election will be across the largest single constituency of any Hertfordshire contest in history.
Hertfordshire Constabulary is one of the highest performing police forces in the country whilst the level of police precept is one of the lowest. The Police Authority is working to ensure a smooth and effective transition to the Police and Crime Commissioner, and will continue to undertake its full range of responsibilities until the transfer date in November.
Further news about the arrangements for the introduction of Commissioners is available on the Hertfordshire Police Authority website.