Role of the PCC
The PCC’s role is to hold the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police to account for the performance of the Force, effectively making the police answerable to the communities they serve.
The PCC also has a wider role in promoting community safety and working with criminal justice partners to improve support for victims of crime.
Duties of the PCC
As PCC, Matthew Barber has a duty and power to:
- Hold the Chief Constable to account for policing
- Scrutinise, support and challenge performance
- Publish and regularly update a Police and Crime Plan
- Set the force budget and policing precept element of the council tax
- Commission services and award grants
- Engage with communities
- Appoint, and where necessary dismiss, the Chief Constable
In addition to the response to local need, the PCC must also contribute to responding to national and regional criminal activity and threats. The five national threats set out by the Home Secretary in the Strategic Policing Requirement (2012) are public order, counter terrorism, civil contingencies, serious organised crime and cyber incidents.
Matthew has set out his key priorities for the coming years in his Police and Crime Plan. You can read more on the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner by downloading the infographic leaflet.
Police and Crime Panel
The actions, decisions and performance of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) are scrutinised by the Police and Crime Panel for the Thames Valley.
The panel is made up of:
- one councillor from each of the 14 first tier local authorities in the Thames Valley
- 3 additional councillors from Buckinghamshire Council
- one additional councillor from Milton Keynes Council
- 2 independent members
The lead authority that provides support to the Police and Crime Panel is Buckinghamshire County Council.
Panels have a range of powers to help them carry out their function and specific responsibilities relating to the PCC’s Police and Criminal Justice Plan and Annual Report. These include:
- Making reports and recommendations on the Police and Criminal Justice Plan and Annual Report, which the PCC must take account and respond to
- Publishing all reports and recommendations that it makes
- Hold public meetings to discuss the annual report and to question the PCC
Panels can also make reports or recommendations (including the power of veto with a 2/3 majority) about the proposals by PCCs on:
- The level of the precept (council tax charge for the local police service)
- Appointing a Chief Constable
You can find out more about the Panel on its website Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel. Read about the Panel’s ‘Complaints Procedure’.
Working in Partnership
To successfully tackle crime it is crucial that partners work together whether this be by sharing resources, discussing key issues and/ or coordinating responses.
The PCC works closely with a number of partners and agencies including Thames Valley Police and Community Safety Partnerships. He is also Chair of the Local Criminal Justice Board. Working in partnership has greatly assisted him when commissioning services for victims, creating his priorities for his Police and Crime Plan and in delivering the Plan itself.
Below is a video which explains the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner in the Thames Valley:
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I’m Matthew Barber,
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Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley,
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and it’s my role to ensure that Thames Valley Police
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are providing an effective and efficient service
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to the residents of Thames Valley,
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cutting crime and catching criminals.
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I’m voted for by you, the public
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in the police and crime commissioner elections
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held every four years.
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As police and crime commissioner,
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I set the priorities for Thames Valley Police
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through my five year police and crime plan,
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focused on protecting communities,
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protecting people, and protecting property.
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I don’t get involved in operational policing,
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that sits with the chief constable.
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But I’m able to hold the police to account
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to ensure they’re delivering
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on behalf of residents in Thames Valley.
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I’m responsible for setting the 600 million pound budget.
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They are often difficult decisions,
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but I make sure that your money is spent wisely
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to benefit communities across Thames Valley,
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like recruiting more frontline police officers
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and ensuring we deliver essential police equipment.
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My role involves working with councils, charities,
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and schools to improve community safety.
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Police and crime commissioners also work on programmes
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to reduce re-offending and prevent crime,
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such as youth intervention programmes
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and investment in CCTV
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to reduce antisocial behaviour and tackle crime
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in our towns and villages.
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My office also funds support for victims of crime
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such as My Victim’s First Service,
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helping those who’ve been victims of crime to cope
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and move on from their experience.
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I’m your voice in policing.
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Each week I’m out and about talking to people
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about the issues that matter in their community.
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If you’ve got issues about crime where you live
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or want to give feedback
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about the service you’ve received from the police,
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then I want to hear from you.
Additional resources
Find out how you can contact the PCC
Stay up to date with the work of the PCC
