The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Merseyside is an elected individual whose job it is to make sure Merseyside Police is run effectively and act as your voice on policing issues in the region.

Elected by you, the PCC's role is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account. PCCs ensure the police are answerable to the communities they serve. They have the power to hire and fire the Chief Constable.

PCCs do not run the police force at an operational level. However, they must ensure those who are in charge do a good job. The PCC decides what the force should be focusing on and the crimes it should prioritise. This detail is contained in the Police and Crime Plan.

PCCs ensure community needs are met as effectively as possible, and are improving local relationships through building confidence and restoring trust. 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.

Police and Crime Commissioners were brought in by the Government in 2012 to replace Police Authorities.

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, sets out the role of the PCCs. Under the terms of the Act, 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.

More detailed information on PCC powers and responsibilities is also available on the Home Office website.

What is a Police and Crime Commissioner?

Take a look at this short video produced by the national body which represents Police and Crime Commissioners, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) to find out more about the role and responsibilities of PCCs and why your voice counts in local policing: