Overview
The Essex Police, Fire and Crime Panel scrutinises the work of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex (PFCC). It acts as a critical friend in support of the commissioner.
The panel has representatives from the 15 local authorities in wider Essex – including Thurrock – plus a co-opted member and 2 independent members. It meets at least 4 times a year.
Its powers and responsibilities include:
- the power to veto, by two-thirds majority, the proposed precept and the proposed candidate for Chief Constable
- reviewing the draft Police and Crime Plan, and making recommendations to which the PFCC must have regard
- reviewing the PFCC‘s Annual Report, and making reports and recommendations at a public meeting that the PCC must attend
- asking Her Majesty’s Inspector’s of Constabulary (HMIC) for a professional view when the PFCC intends to dismiss a Chief Constable
- holding confirmation hearings for the PFCC’s proposed chief executive, chief finance officer and deputy police and crime commissioner appointments
You can speak and ask questions at meetings of the panel.
Go to the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Panel meetings page on the Essex County Council website.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is elected by the public to hold the Chief Constables and Chief Fire Officer to account. They are voted for locally to make the police service and fire and rescue service answerable to the communities they serve.
Thurrock is represented by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex. They make sure community needs are met as effectively as possible, and work to improve local relationships through building confidence and trust.
They work in partnership across a range of agencies at local and national level in a joint approach to preventing and reducing crime.