Overview of police and crime panels

Police and crime panels will scrutinise the actions and decisions of each PCC and make sure information is available for the public, enabling them to hold the PCC to account.

Panels will be made up of at least one elected representative (councillors or elected mayors) from each Local Authority (unitary, county and district) within the police force area and two independent co-optees.

Once established, with the Home Secretary's permission, panels will be able to co-opt additional members, both elected and independent, up to a panel size of 20.

Strong relationships with the panel members will be an opportunity for influence for the VCSE. In addition individuals from the VCSE Sector might want to put themselves forward as co-opted independent members.

Police force areas were asked to provide information to the Home office on the Local Authority representatives on the panel by the end of July. The process for identifying co-opted members varies from area to area. In some areas they might have identified the two independent co-opted members at the same time as the Local Authority members. In other areas they may be doing this at a later date. In all areas the additional co-opted members can be appointed after the establishment of the panel.

For further information about your police force areas progress in establishing the police and crime panel contact your Police Authority. For further information on engaging with your Police Authority read the briefing produced by the national SFC partners at www.clinks.org/assets/files/PDFs/SFC/Transition%20Boards%20briefing.pdf.