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Police and Crime Commissioners

Study note

In England and Wales, the public have a say in how their area is policed by electing Police and Crime Commissioners, usually shortened to PCCs. A PCC is directly elected by local voters, which gives the public a voice in local policing.

The job of a Police and Crime Commissioner is to set the priorities for policing in their area and to decide the local policing budget. A PCC also appoints the Chief Constable, who runs the police force day to day. The police themselves are organised into separate forces and remain independent of the government. A PCC is not a judge and does not run the civil service. For the test, remember that PCCs are elected in England and Wales and that they set police priorities and the budget and appoint the Chief Constable.

Memory tip: PCCs are elected in England and Wales; they set police priorities and appoint the Chief Constable.

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Question 1 of 2

What does an elected Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) do?

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Show all questions and answers for Police and Crime Commissioners(2 questions with explanations)

Police and Crime Commissioners: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What does an elected Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) do?

    • Leads the Opposition
    • Runs the civil service
    • Sets local police priorities and the budget and appoints the Chief Constable
    • Acts as a judge in serious cases

    Correct answer: Sets local police priorities and the budget and appoints the Chief Constable

    PCCs set local policing priorities and the budget and appoint the Chief Constable.

  2. 2. Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales are elected by the public.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Police and Crime Commissioners are directly elected in England and Wales.

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