Background
Tim Passmore was elected as the first Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in Suffolk in November 2012, and was last re-elected for a further four year term in May 2024. The next election for the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner will be in May 2028.
The PCC has responsibility for setting the direction and objectives of the Suffolk police force, and for holding the Chief Constable to account.
The Panel's role and functions
The PCC is challenged and supported by a Police and Crime Panel. The Panel has the role of scrutinising the performance of the PCC, as well as challenging and supporting the PCC's activities over a range of policy areas, including the delivery of his Police and Crime Plan 2022-2025.
The Panel also has a role in the handling of complaints against the PCC and the confirmation of key staff posts within the Office of the PCC.
The Panel comprises elected members of local authorities across Suffolk working alongside two people who are independent co-opted members. Together the Panel members should reflect the breadth of communities in Suffolk.
The Panel has certain statutory functions, set out in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011:
- reviewing the police and crime plan
- reviewing the PCC's annual report
- carrying out confirmation hearings for certain senior appointments
- carrying out confirmation hearings for the chief constable
- investigating complaints about non-criminal behaviour of the PCC
- supporting and scrutinising the effective exercise of the functions of the PCC
Panel meetings
The Panel meets a minimum of four times a year. Meetings are generally open to the public and will usually be held in the morning. Meetings usually take place in Endeavour House, Ipswich but may take place at other locations so it is advisable to check the location on this website. Full details of Police and Crime Panel meetings, membership of the Panel, previous meetings and the forward work plan can be accessed via the Committee section of this website.
Useful Links:
If you would like further information about the Suffolk Police and Crime Panel please contact: Democratic Services on Telephone: 01473 265119, Email: committee.services@suffolk.gov.uk.
