APCC and LGA work together to help PCCs and cut crime and protect the public

The Transitional Board of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) and members of the Local Government Association's (LGA) leadership met to discuss how they could act together to support the work of elected police and crime commissioners (PCCs) at both the local and national level in the best interests of the public.

After a very productive meeting, Chairman of the Transitional Board of the APCC, Simon Duckworth said:

"Our initial discussions would suggest that this presents a really exciting opportunity for two important national bodies with complementary areas of expertise to work in partnership to better serve PCCs and the public at both the local and national level." 

LGA Chairman Sir Merrick Cockell said:

"For PCCs to tackle anti-social behaviour, alcohol related crime, and youth offending, forging effective partnerships with councils at a local level will be crucial. These positive initial discussions suggest the LGA and APCC can work together not only to ensure PCCs have a strong national voice, but also help them build the local relationships they need to make the communities they serve safer."

Police and crime commissioners will be elected in 41 police force areas across England and Wales on 15 November and will replace police authorities.

Cllr Mark Burns-Williamson, Chair of the Association of Police Authorities (APA), commissioned by the Home Office to set up the APCC, said:

"The APA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to achieving an effective transition from police authorities to PCCs, and the creation of the APCC is one realisation of this commitment. I am very pleased that those who met today found a great deal of common ground on which to base a strong relationship which will benefit both PCCs and the public they serve."

Cllr Mehboob Khan, Chair of the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: 

"The challenge for PCCs and councils going forward is how we can get better at preventing crime in the first place. The discussions today showed that by building a strong relationship nationally we can help PCCs make the public safer."

Share:

11 September 2012