AfriPulse
The United Kingdom has announced the plan to scrap Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to “cut the cost of unnecessary bureaucracy” and restore neighbourhood policing.
On account of the abolishment, at least £20 million–enough for hundreds of constables–will be reinvested every year to ensure efficiency in police governance.
The government observed that since 2012, turnout at the PCCs’ polls and public knowledge of the officers have been low, saying, “two in five people are unaware PCCs even exist.”
The commissioners’ roles will be absorbed by regional mayors, while in areas not covered by a mayor, elected council leaders will assume the responsibility.
The transition to the new model will happen at the end of the electoral cycle in 2028. The government, however, promised continuity of the support services for victims and witnesses, currently provided by PCCs.
The PCC scrap is part of a major reform to raise police standards and strengthen operations. The Police Reform White Paper recommends a new National Centre of Policing, comprising IT and forensics, and a performance unit.
The reform programme will run alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which involves police patrols, community officers, and will deploy 3,000 neighbourhood officers by spring next year.
“The introduction of police and crime commissioners by the last government was a failed experiment,” said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. “The savings will fund more neighbourhood police on the beat across the country.”
The Secretary thanked all present and former police and crime commissioners, adding that they will continue to serve their communities until they have completed their current terms.
Source: Daily Post Nigeria | Read the Full Story…
