Outside body

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel

Changes to Police Governance and Accountability

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 introduced significant changes to the governance and accountability of policing in England and Wales. This legislation replaced Police Authorities with directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), who are responsible for setting policing priorities, allocating budgets, and holding the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public.

Mr Marc Jones was first elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire on 5 May 2016 and continues to serve in this role.

To support transparency and accountability, the Act requires each police force area to establish a Police and Crime Panel. The Panel is made up of elected councillors and independent members, and must reflect the political and geographical balance of the area, as well as bring a range of skills and experience.

While the Panel does not scrutinise the Chief Constable or the operational performance of the police force (this is the PCC’s responsibility), it plays a vital role in overseeing the work of the PCC.

Functions of the Police and Crime Panel

The Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel has a number of statutory responsibilities, including:

·         Scrutinising the actions and decisions of the Police and Crime Commissioner

·         Reviewing the draft Police and Crime Plan to ensure it reflects local priorities

·         Examining and commenting on the PCC’s Annual Report

·         Reviewing and reporting on the proposed policing precept (the portion of Council Tax allocated to policing), with the power to veto if necessary

·         Holding confirmation hearings for the appointment of a Chief Constable and senior PCC staff

From 17 May 2024, Lincolnshire County Council became the designated lead authority for the Panel.

For more information, including meeting dates, agendas, and how to submit questions to the Panel, please visit:
?? www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/lpcp