The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 brought in new structural arrangements for national policing, strategic police decision-making, neighbourhood policing and accountability.
These included abolishing Police Authorities and the election of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) across England and Wales.
The responsibilities of a PCC include:
- appointing the Chief Constable and holding them to account for the running of the police service
- setting a five year Police and Crime Plan determining local policing priorities
- setting the annual local precept and annual service budget
- working with partners, making community safety grants to tackle crime and disorder