The voting for local police and crime commissioners, also known as PCCs, will begin on Thursday, May 5. This willwill lik the first time many people vote for a PCC. In November 2012, when the first PCC election was held, the average voter turnout in England and Wales was less than 15%. The elections were described as a “mess.”

It is likely that the decision to hold the first PCC election on a cold Thursday in November explains why the turnout ended up being so low. It’s no surprise that most people didn’t bother to vote, given that November was the wettest in 50 years, and that there were a lot of other factors.

The tie-in of the PCC election to the local elections will definitely increase voter turnout this time around. Voters will still be asked to vote in the PCC elections even if they only vote for local councillors.

What is a PCC (Personal Computer Control)?

Despite the popular belief, commissioners of police and crime are important. They are responsible for hiring and dismissing chief constables and are also charged with managing the fund.

This grant is given annually by the Home Office for the purpose of funding their policing. It is calculated using a formula that takes into consideration factors like population size, geography, and the level of crime within the 43 police service districts.

The PCC is responsible for setting the budget of the force area. This includes allocating sufficient money from the overall budget to enable them to perform their functions efficiently.

Police and crime commissioners are required to produce a “police and crimes plan” that outlines their goals for policing their area, including the resources they will make available to their chief constabulary and how they plan to measure performance.

PCCs are required to provide an annual public report on the progress of policing. They are very important because they will determine the focus and direction of your local police force.

Why bother voting

PCCs must set up their own office and employ their staff in order to monitor the progress of the crime plan, measure police performance, and administer the budget for policing. It is an incredible amount of power to be held by one person. Imagine that you had not voted and your PCC built their administrative center in an expensive stately home with marble floors, antique furniture, and priceless artwork.

The local police precept can also be raised from the council tax. If you check your bill this year, you’ll see that policing is listed along with fire services. If you want to have a say in how your council tax money is spent, then it’s worth thinking about who deserves your vote.

You want someone knowledgeable when it comes to hiring or firing chief constables. This power is abused in Yorkshire. The chief constable in West Yorkshire was appointed but was immediately suspended after a police vehicle contract investigation. Similarly, the chief constable in South Yorkshire was recently suspended following the Hillsborough Inquests. It is important to vote for the candidate who you believe will use this power in the best interest of the public.

What makes a PCC good?

Do not think that only former police officers will have any knowledge of crime or policing. A police career can actually narrow your perspective on crime. What you consider a serious crime may be different from someone who has been a cop.

A candidate who seems to know very little about crime (or almost nothing at all) is much more concerning. The PCC of Kent Ann Barnes was the subject of a Channel 4 documentary that aired in 2013. This led to criticisms and accusations about the role.

In meet the police commissioner, Barnes struggled to describe what her role entailed and was recorded painting her nails on a board and writing her title incorrectly.

Someone who has some knowledge of crime, victimization, and policing and is willing to listen and understand local opinions, as well as challenge the chief constable when and where necessary, could be a good start.

If you consider crime to be one of your top concerns, you should have some say in the person in charge of policing in your area.