First elected in 2012 to replace Police Authorities made up of councillors there are 42 Police & Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England & Wales.
In London, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester the elected mayor is the Police & Crime Commissioner.
Currently there are 30 Conservative, 11 Labour and 1 Plaid Cymru commissioners although all sign an Oath of Impartiality on taking up the position.
In five areas, including Staffordshire, the PCC has also replaced the Fire Authority and are known as Police, Fire & Crime Commissioners, PFCCs.
PCCs are tasked with securing the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force within their area, and to hold the Chief Constable to account. The PCC has to produce a Local Police & Crime Plan and report on this annually. PCCs are charged with holding the police fund (from which all policing of the area is financed) and raising the local policing precept from council tax. PCCs are also responsible for the appointment, suspension and dismissal of the Chief Constable.
In Staffordshire the PFCC also has similar responsibilities for the Fire & Rescue Service plan, budget and Chief Fire Officer.
Read the latest Commissioner's Police & Crime Annual Report and find links to public meetings with the Chief Constable here.
https://staffordshire-pfcc.gov.uk/annual-report/
Read the latest Commissioner's Fire & Rescue Annual Report and find links to public meetings with the Chief Fire Officer here.
https://staffordshire-pfcc.gov.uk/fire-rescue/
Read more on Wikipedia here, including a list of current PCCs, PFCCs and Mayors.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_and_crime_commissioner
This Association of Police and Crime Commissioners has detail on the duties and role.
https://apccs.police.uk/role-of-the-pcc/what-you-need-to-know-as-a-pcc/
