• Has been elected by the public and is accountable to them for the performance of the Force
• Provides the link between the police and communities
• Translates the legitimate demands of the public into action
• Sets the strategy for policing and crime and disorder reduction outlined in their Police and Crime Plan
• Maintains an effective and efficient Force
• Sets the budget and council tax precept
• Owns all police assets (i.e. buildings, equipment and vehicles)
• Hires and (if necessary dismisses) the Chief Constable
• Sets measures, and holds the Chief Constable to account for performance of the Force
• Commissions a range of services to deliver their Police and Crime Plan – services for victims and witnesses, initiatives to reduce offending and improve criminal justice
• Contributes to national and local consultations, and policy debates on matters relevant to policing and crime

Hears the concerns of the public
Sets the policing precept for the public
Receives funding and national policing priorities from central government
Receives support and scrutiny from the Police and Crime Panel
Sets the policing strategy for the Chief Constable
Takes advice from the Chief Constable about budget and strategy

Find out more:

Read the Police and Crime Plan
Find out about the services commissioned for victims of crime and to reduce reoffending