After an election Police and Crime Commissioners must swear an oath of office before they can take up the role.
Emily Spurrell took the Oath of Office on her first official day in post as Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner on May 13th 2021. She re-took the oath on 9th May 2024, to mark the start of her second term.
The oath was witnessed by the Police Area Returning Officer, Liverpool City Council Chief Executive, Andrew Lewis, and Chair of the Merseyside Branch of Magistrates, JP Chris Parry. The ceremony was also attended by Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy.
The declaration is also an important symbol of the Police Commissioner's open and transparent approach and the aim of being truly accountable to the public.
The wording of the oath is set in law by the The Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (Declaration of Acceptance of Office) Order 2012.
The Declaration of Acceptance of Oath
"I, Emily Spurrell, of Merseyside, do hereby declare that I accept the office of Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside.
“In making this declaration, I solemnly and sincerely promise that during my term of office:
“I will serve all the people of Merseyside in the office of Police and Crime Commissioner.
“I will act with integrity and diligence in my role and, to the best of my ability, will execute the duties of my office to ensure that the police are able to cut crime and protect the public.
“I will give a voice to the public, especially victims of crime, and work with other services to ensure the safety of the community and effective criminal justice.
“I will take all steps within my power to ensure transparency of my decisions, so that I may be properly held to account by the public.
“I will not interfere with the operational independence of police officers."