Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and their police force to account; effectively making the police answerable to the communities they serve. PCC's 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. PCC's must:
Secure an efficient and effective police for their area Appoint the Chief Constable and 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 Make sure local priorities are joined up