Police and Crime Commissioner Election - 2 May 2024

The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)

The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account. They are responsible for developing a local Police and Crime Plan, which sets out their priorities for making the Durham police area safer.

PCCs aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service within their police force area. They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the force to account, making the police answerable to the communities they serve.

The PCC works in partnership across a range of agencies at local and national level to ensure there is a unified approach to preventing and reducing crime.

It is the responsibility of the Chief Constable to ensure the police force operates independently. The PCC does not have a role in that and cannot direct police resources, become involved in ongoing investigations or influence any other operational matter.

PCC's may stand for a political party, however, they are expected to represent all the people in their area impartially and are required to swear an 'Oath of Impartiality' before taking office.

The election will be co-ordinated across County Durham by the Police Area Returning Officer (PARO), who is based at Durham County Council [external link] however local arrangements for Darlington will be delegated to the Local Returning Officer. 

Further information on the role of the PCC and the election visit:-

Association of Police and Crime Commissioners

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner

Choose My Police and Crime Commissioner (choosemypcc.org.uk)