Peter Lamb was elected as MP for Crawley at the General Election on the 4th July 2024. The count took place overnight on 4th/5th July and the results were announced in the early morning of 5th July.
There was fury as Labour MP Peter Lamb posted on X that OAPs have a ‘choice’ over whether to put the heating on after winter fuel payments cut from 10 million elderly people.
If people choose not to put the heating on after several above inflation increases in the state pension then that’s their choice. Anyone who genuinely needs the payment to afford it will still get it. Overall pensioners will benefit more from NHS capacity than extra cash.
After a huge backlash about his comments on the Winter Fuel Allowance, Peter Lamb posted on X that he “I’d like to apologise” but couldn’t bring himself to say sorry.
I'd like to apologise for a comment I made on X earlier this week regarding the changes to Winter Fuel Payments. It was never my intention to cause offence, and in hindsight my comments were clearly misjudged. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/uOwtIIV4lK
I’d like to apologise for a comment I made on X earlier this week regarding the changes to Winter Fuel Payments. It was never my intention to cause offence, and in hindsight my comments were clearly misjudged.
As the proud MP for Crawley it is my absolute priority to support the most vulnerable in our community, and pensioners in my constituency can be reassured I’ll be doing everything I can to support them during the winter months.
Drugs are being openly sold on the streets by drug dealers with seemingly little to no action being taken by the Police to deal with this. The streets also stink of weed.
I gave up ringing 101 and attending local policing meetings. It’s pointless the police seem more than happy for a large group of men to openly deal on the street every single day of the week and have them and their customers urinating and defecating in the streets.
Drug misuse harms the health and wellbeing of many people. There are a number of different criminal offences which should restrict the supply and use of harmful substances.
It is illegal to possess, supply and produce controlled drugs. It is also illegal to import or export drugs, or to allow your premises to be used for drug production.
The legal restrictions placed on the use of controlled drugs are aimed at preventing drug misuse. The principal offences relating to the misuse of controlled drugs are contained in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (“the Act”) and most of the offences dealt with in this guidance are created by the Act. The primary objective of the Act is the control of the use and distribution of dangerous and harmful drugs. The Act classifies the drugs according to their relative degree of overall harm from misuse.
Controlled drugs fall into three different categories, Class A, B or C, according to their danger or how harmful they are. The sentences for drug offences are different for each class of drugs. Class A drugs are the most harmful, and will lead to a greater sentence.
A drug dealer is an individual who illegally sells or distributes drugs. These drugs can range from illegal substances like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or marijuana (in places where it’s not legally regulated) to prescription medications that are sold without a prescription or for non-medical use.
The Statute of Limitations establishes time limits within which legal actions can be brought against individuals or entities for various offenses. There is no time limit for prosecution in England and Wales for drug dealing offences.
On Sunday 22nd September 2024 @ 17:40 whilst I was on the Walworth Road/Camberwell Road in SE17 close to the 100% Holy Café, I witnessed 3 drug deals being carried out brazenly in the street. I later witnessed another drug deal in a local pub by one of the same individuals.
Several Met Police cars drove past (all being driven one handed) and I attempted to flag one down. The officer in passenger seat made eye contact but they decided to ignore me. I assume the officers were coming from Walworth Police Station 12-28 Manor Place SE17 3RL.
I regularly travel through South London and I regularly see drug deals on the streets. I never see any Met Police officers on foot patrol. Met Police patrol cars just drive by seemingly oblivious to crimes being committed on the streets.
If you’re concerned about drug-related crime in your area or think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, please call us on 101.
If it’s an emergency, please call 999. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000. Or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service
I live in Crawley West Sussex and I regularly see drug deals on the streets. I never see any Sussex Police officers on foot patrol (anytime) or in police cars at night.
The suspects are usually illegally riding a speed modified e-scooter or e-bikes and have their face covered. Home delivery of drugs by car also seems very popular in some parts of town.
Chief Superintendent Imran Asghar of Sussex Police was appointed in March 2024 and is responsible for Crawley & Mid-Sussex. On X he said that he is looking forward to working with officers/staff & communities in this region.
Superintendent Asghar EB821 can be contacted by email [email protected]. Maybe he would like to do something positive about drug crime on his “manor” ?
If you’re concerned about drug-related crime in your area or think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, please call us on 101.
If it’s an emergency, please call 999. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000. Or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service
Drugs are being openly sold on the streets by dealers, in my opinion, with seemingly little to no action being taken by the Police (Met and Sussex) to deal with this. Is open drug dealing an issue in your area ? #Policehttps://t.co/DMblhIMXDs
Dom Watts is an unlikely consumer champion. Yet, the dad of three from Croydon took on the power and might of Kodak – and won.
His Kodakcamera protest Web site became the focus for a month-long campaign by consumers in search of fair play.
Yesterday, Kodak caved in to pressure and agreed to honour a deal for a cut-price digital camera – even though it maintained that the price tag of £100 was a mistake.
For Dom, Kodak’s capitulation proved to be the start of a busy round of newspaper and TV interviews for the IT contractor.
In a posting on the Kodak Camera campaign web site, Internet veteran Dr Laurence Godfrey (Godfrey v Demon Internet Ltd [1999] EWHC QB 244) wrote: “I am very pleased to read that there appears to have been a remarkable U-turn and now you are all going to get your cameras.
Malc – Dom Watts – Dr Laurence Godfrey / 2002 Kodak HQ Hemel HempsteadThe Sun Newspaper 2002
The Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Service’s role in recruiting, appointing and administering all Disciplinary panels safeguards the independence of the panels within the disciplinary process.
Purpose and Function: The Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Services is tasked with appointing and administering various types of hearings, including Disciplinary Tribunals for barristers accused of professional misconduct, Interim Suspension Hearings, Fitness to Practise Hearings, and hearings related to the Inns’ Conduct Committee (ICC) for student members or applicants to the Inns of Court. These hearings ensure that the professional standards of barristers are maintained and that any misconduct is appropriately addressed.
Since its creation in 1986 and as a result of a Resolution of the Judges dated 26 November 1986, the Council of the Inns of Court (“COIC”) has been the body responsible for recruiting, appointing and administering Bar disciplinary panels. It does so in accordance with its constitution, which specifies that Disciplinary Tribunals shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Disciplinary Tribunal Regulations. On behalf of the President of the Council of the Inns of Court, the Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Service (BTAS) is responsible for appointing and administering Disciplinary Tribunals and other panels.
As a result of the Legal Services Act 2007, the Bar Standards Board has responsibility for disciplinary arrangements for barristers. From 2010-13 an informal Memorandum of Understanding existed between COIC and the Bar Standards Board on disciplinary matters. The Memorandum was replaced on 23 October 2013 by a formal Service Agreement between COIC and the Bar Standards Board which relates to the services that BTAS now provides in relation to disciplinary tribunals.
Hearings can be held in public unless there’s a specific order for privacy. This openness allows for transparency, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in the legal profession.
Sanctions and Guidance:
BTAS has introduced new sanctions guidance, effective from January 1, 2022, which includes a more structured approach to sanctions, revised levels for fines and suspensions, and new categories for types of misconduct. This guidance aims to ensure consistency and proportionality in sanctions for misconduct, reflecting a broader review of disciplinary practices.
Public Access and Transparency:
Findings and sanctions from disciplinary hearings are published on the BTAS website, adhering to a publication policy. This information is available for public scrutiny, enhancing accountability within the profession. However, findings are typically removed after two years unless they involve significant sanctions like suspension or disbarment.
Critical Perspective:
While BTAS plays a crucial role in maintaining professional standards, discussions online reflect a broader societal and professional discourse on the nature of legal representation, the ethics of the profession, and the adequacy of regulatory mechanisms. This includes critiques on the structure of legal education, the economic aspects of legal practice, and the moral responsibilities of barristers.
On behalf of the President of the Council of the Inns of Court, the Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Service (BTAS) is responsible for appointing and administering:
Disciplinary Tribunals for barristers facing charges of professional misconduct under Bar Standards Board Handbook November 17 Part 5B Enforcement Regulations; The Disciplinary Tribunal Regulations
Panels appointed under the Interim Suspension Rules of Bar Standards Board Handbook November 17 Part 5D Enforcement Regulations; The Interim Suspension and Disqualification Regulations
Panels appointed under the Fitness to Practice Rules of the Bar Standards Board Handbook November 17 Part 5E Enforcement Regulations; The Fitness to Practise Regulations.
The Bar Standards Board investigates and prosecutes breaches of the Handbook Core Duties and Rules of the Bar of England and Wales.
The Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Services is pivotal in upholding the disciplinary framework for barristers in England and Wales, ensuring that the profession adheres to high ethical and professional standards through a transparent and structured process of adjudication.
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) is an independent statutory body in the UK responsible for adjudicating on alleged breaches of the rules and regulations applicable to solicitors and their firms.
At the SDT, our duty is to maintain the public’s confidence in the reputation of the solicitor profession for honesty, probity, trustworthiness, independence, and integrity.
Purpose and Role: The SDT’s primary role is to maintain the public’s confidence in the solicitor profession by ensuring that its members adhere to standards of honesty, probity, trustworthiness, independence, and integrity. It handles cases where there might be serious misconduct that could warrant sanctions beyond what the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) can impose, like striking off a solicitor from the roll or imposing unlimited fines.
Powers and Procedures:
The Tribunal can impose various sanctions including but not limited to suspension, striking off, unlimited fines, and orders for compensation or costs.
It operates independently of the SRA, although the SRA refers cases to the SDT when it deems the misconduct serious enough to potentially require sanctions it cannot itself impose.
The SRA refers cases to the SDT when there’s a realistic prospect of the Tribunal making an order, and it’s in the public interest. This might occur when the misconduct is so severe that only the SDT’s sanctions would suffice, or when there’s a need for a public hearing to address significant issues affecting public confidence in the profession.
The SDT itself decides whether there’s a case to answer based on the evidence presented, setting a pre-listing day if necessary.
Public Interest and Accountability:
The involvement of the SDT often reflects not just on the individual solicitor but also on the broader profession’s reputation. Its decisions are crucial for maintaining high ethical standards and public trust in legal services.
Critical Examination: While the SDT’s role is to uphold professional standards, discussions online highlight criticisms or concerns regarding its decisions, the fairness of its processes, or its impact on legal practice freedom. However, these discussions should be viewed as part of a broader discourse on legal ethics and accountability rather than definitive critiques of the Tribunal’s operations.
Facial Recognition (FR) technology can be used in a number of ways by the Police, including to prevent and detect crime, find wanted criminals, safeguard vulnerable people, keep the people safe. and to protect people from harm.
The typical uses of FR technology for policing are:
as a real-time aid to help officers to help them locate people on a ‘watchlist’ who are sought by the Police;
as an operator initiated tool for officers who decide they need to take an image of a person and then use Facial Recognition software to help them establish who that person is. This helps the Police even if that person provides false or misleading details. This use of FR can also help provide an identification of someone who is unconscious or seriously injured and unable to communicate who they are;
as a retrospective system to be used after an event to help officers establish who a person is or whether their image matches against other media held on databases.
Police and private companies in the UK have been quietly rolling out facial recognition surveillance cameras, taking ‘faceprints’ of millions of people — often without you knowing about it. This is an enormous expansion of the surveillance state — and it sets a dangerous precedent worldwide. We must stop this dangerously authoritarian surveillance now.
Live Facial Recognition (LFR) cameras are focused on a specific area so that when people pass through that area their images are streamed directly to the Live Facial Recognition system and compared to a watchlist.
All deployments are targeted, intelligence-led, time-bound, and geographically limited. It lets forces place their effort where it is likely to have the greatest effect. Before a deployment, the police will inform the public where they intend to use the technology and where they can obtain more information on its use.
Following a possible LFR alert, it is always a police officer on the ground who will decide what action, if any, to take. If the LFR system does not make a match with the watchlist, a person’s biometric data is deleted immediately and automatically. The watchlist is destroyed after each operation.
Retrospective Facial Recognition (RFR)
The images or short videos that are being searched after the event, are typically obtained from CCTV, mobile phone footage or have been supplied by members of the public. These images can then be searched for example against some of the Police’s custody image databases. If the system indicates a match then a human will always review this and they will decide if they think it is a match or not.
The use of operator initiated facial recognition which takes an image of a particular person and uses it to either (i) help policing establish who a person in the image is or (ii) establish where a person has previously appeared in other media held by the police
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary uses Facial Recognition Technology in the following cases:
Live Facial Recognition (LFR) compares a live camera feed of faces against a predetermined watchlist to find a possible match that generates an alert.
Retrospective Facial Recognition (RFR) is a post event use of facial recognition technology, which compares still images of faces of unknown subjects against a reference image database in order to identify them.
Operator Initiated Facial Recognition (OIFR) is a mobile phone use of FRT technology, which compares a photograph of a person’s face taken on a mobile phone to the predetermined watchlist to assist an officer to identify a subject.
Auditing Britain published a video of his interaction with the Met Police and was rudely spoken to and the door to their Live Facial Recognition Van was regularly closed. Do the Met Police have something to hide ?
On Saturday 14th September 2024, Lincoln’s Inn once again opened its doors to the public for Open House Festival. This was a rare opportunity to see spaces usually closed to the general public and learn more about the history of one of London’s most fascinating estates – for free.
As one of the four Inns of Court, Lincoln’s Inn houses a thriving community of barristers and is a bedrock of the Bar of England and Wales. Standing for more than 600 years, tradition intersects modernity on this 11-acre estate, which features Grade I and II listed buildings from the mediaeval, Victorian and Georgian periods, state-of-the-art teaching and conference spaces, and lush gardens. Make your way around the Inn at your own pace, and immerse yourself in the estate’s history at one of our free talks.
Why did Sussex Police wait 9 days to inform the public ?Surely Sussex Police have a duty to let Sussex residents know that their Chief Constable has retired ?Not very transparent and almost as if the Police have something to hide.
In the same document pack, there is a copy of the letter Jo Shiner wrote to the Sussex PCC on the 14th June 2024. The Sussex PCC replied on the 25th June 2024. The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 requires a transparent and open process. Why did the PCC stay quiet until the 10th September 2024 ?
I am still perplexed how the Chief Constable of Sussex Police can retire (and be rehired next month by the PCC), an Acting Chief Constable be appointed and the people of Sussex (and the UK) were not told.
Confirmation Hearing for the Proposed Chief Constable of Sussex Police (Pages 37 – 58)
On 10 September, the Panel was formally notified of the proposal of Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner to appoint a Chief Constable of Sussex Police. The attached report by the Clerk to the Panel provides details of the Panel’s role in the confirmation hearing for the proposed appointment of the Chief Constable of Sussex Police. The appendices and annexes to the report comprise information from the Police and Crime Commissioner regarding the proposed appointment. The Panel is to ask the candidate questions relating to their professional competence and personal independence.
On the 1st October 2024 Jo Shiner was reappointed as the Chief Constable of Sussex Police until 2027 after a short break under the Retire and Rejoin scheme.
The latest HMICFRS inspection of Sussex Police PEEL 2021/22 was published on the 13th April 2023 ? Should we continue to reward failure ? Is Jo Shiner the best person Sussex Police have for the job ?
“This way she can start claiming her pension and, on her return get her full salary without any pension deductions. Nice work if you can get it. If she has retired the job needs to go through the correct selection process.”
There was no announcement on the Sussex Police News website…..however the reason for the BBC news article and announcement may become clear. ⬇
An email was sent to the Sussex Police Media Team on Monday 9th September in relation to a Facebook post about gifts of Samosa’s to Crawley Police. The email also asked questions about the Senior Leadership including Chief Constable Jo Shiner missing from the Sussex Police website……
From: Dom Watts Sent: Monday, September 9, 2024 10:06 AM To:[email protected] Cc:[email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Crawley Police and the Gifts, Gratuities and Hospitality Policy – Facebook Samosa Gifts
Dear Sussex Police Media Team
(cc Katy Bourne Sussex PCC and Sussex Police PSD)
I am a citizen journalist at the Ministry of Injustice website and also a Crawley resident. I am currently writing an article in response to a post made by Crawley Police on their Facebook page (As below) on Friday 6th September 2024 about gifts of Samosa’s to the Police on World Samosa Day (5th September 2024).
This Facebook post is another terrible social media post by Crawley Police, and is not a great optic for the Police at a time of greater scrutiny in light of public claims of two tier policing.
1.3 As a guiding principle, Police Officers, Special Constables and Police Staff must not accept the offer of any gift, gratuity, favour or hospitality without prior approval from the JFVU. This allows an independent assessment of any potential compromise or conflict of interest.
1.4 Offers of a gift, gratuity or hospitality vary widely and could range from a reasonable display of gratitude and common courtesy, which does not breach integrity of any party, through to criminal offences such as a breach of the Bribery Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk)
3.1 All gifts, gratuities and hospitality require approval from the JFVU before they can be accepted. Police Officers, Special Constables and Police Staff must complete an application form as soon as possible or within a maximum of 7 days from the receipt of the gift, gratuity or prior to any hospitality offered. The gift, gratuity or hospitality must remain with the applicant’s line manager, until approval has been given from the JFVU.
4.3 The Gift, Gratuity and Hospitality policy is intended to manage low value items only and as a guide an upper limit of £20 is considered appropriate.
Could you please provide any comments on the following please :-
Was advice Sought from the Joint Force Vetting Unit (JFVU) in accepting these gifts ?
Have these gifts been recorded by the JFVU ?
Did Superintendent Nick Dias or Chief Inspector Will Keating-Jones accept the gifts ? Was it another officer ?
Does the photo show all the samosa’s that were gifted ? How many Samosa’s were gifted ?
Was the health and safety of the Front Line officers considered when accepting these gifts ?
What is the benefit to policing in accepting these gifts ?
Do senior officers in Sussex Police regularly take time away from policing to accept freebies and photo opportunities ?
Could you please arrange for this page to be updated along with any missing bio’s. Can you please share any publicity photos of these senior officers ?
@[email protected] If any offences have been committed by Superintendent Nick Dias, Chief Inspector Will Keating-Jones or any other officers, could you please furnish me with a crime number and PSD reference.
To be clear, I am not a racist or from the far right. My aunt is of Asian descent and makes brilliant Samosa’s !
Thanks for your time and I look forward to your response.
Regards
Email to Sussex Police Media Team 9th September 2024
Is news about gifts of Samosa’s more important to the public than the retirement of the Chief Constable ?
An email response was received from Sussex Police Media Team……..
From: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, September 9, 2024 12:19 PM To: Dom Watts Cc:[email protected]; PSD Main <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Crawley Police and the Gifts, Gratuities and Hospitality Policy – Facebook Samosa Gifts
Good afternoon Dom,
Thank you for your email. I hope this gives some clarification regarding the samosas which were received at Crawley police station from Ashwin Soni, Director of Diverse Crawley.
Samosas were delivered to police and other emergency services by Ashwin to help celebrate World Samosa Day.
Ashwin is a valued member of the community as well as a member of multiple independent advisory groups who work closely with Sussex Police.
This kind gesture was gratefully received by Superintendent Nick Dias and Chief Inspector Will Keating-Jones, who is the Hindu Faith lead for Sussex Police, as part of their ongoing engagements with the local community and stakeholders, a core part of senior officers’ duties.
The gift of around 40 samosas was inputted on the Gifts Register and forwarded to vetting for awareness.
Thank you for highlighting information on our website.
Will Keating-Jones was promoted to Chief Inspector, which will be reflected on the website. Superintendent Imran Asghar’s rank is correct.
In relation to the Chief Constable, please can I direct your request to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex?
I hope this answers any questions you may have. If you require any more information, please do let me know.
Many thanks
Email response from Sussex Police Media Team 9th September 2024
A follow up email was sent to the Sussex Police Media Team and the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner
From: Dom Watts Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2024 10:08 AM To: <[email protected]>; [email protected] Subject: RE: Crawley Police and the Gifts, Gratuities and Hospitality Policy – Facebook Samosa Gifts Importance: High
Good Morning xxx
Many thanks for your speedy reply, for clarifying the correct procedure was followed in relation to the “gifts” and for updating the Sussex Police Senior Leadership page.
I see that the reason for your response “In relation to the Chief Constable, please can I direct your request to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex?”
was answered by the BBC @ 1.32pm the same day
@[email protected] Why did Sussex Police wait 9 days to inform the public ? Surely Sussex Police have a duty to let Sussex residents know that their Chief Constable has retired ? Not very transparent and almost as if the Police have something to hide. Could you please reply to me separately about this ?
Jo Shiner, Sussex Police Chief Constable, formally retired on the 31st August 2024 but will return in a month !
Why did Sussex Police wait 9 days to inform the public ? Not very transparent and almost as if the Police have something to hide? #Policehttps://t.co/8jZt4TcA49
The Sussex Police and Crime Panel met on Friday 27 September 2024 (10.30am start) at County Hall, Lewes. The deadline for residents to submit written questions is 12 noon on Friday 13 September 2024…..
From: Dom Watts Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 9:16 AM To:[email protected] Subject: Written questions to the Sussex PCP Meeting 27th September 2024
Dear Sussex Police and Crime Panel
The deadline for residents to submit written questions is 12 noon on Friday 13 September 2024.
I am perplexed how the Chief Constable of Sussex Police can retire (and be rehired next month by the PCC), an Acting Chief Constable be appointed and the people of Sussex (and the UK) were not told.
Why did Sussex Police wait 9 days to inform the public via the BBC ? Surely Sussex Police have a duty to let Sussex residents know that their Chief Constable has retired ?
Is there something to hide ? Not very transparent and almost as if the PCC/Police have something to hide.
My questions to the Sussex PCP have been accepted….
From: Ninesh Edwards <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Police Crime Panel Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 3:46 PM To: Dom Watts Cc: Tiffany Taylor ; Jack Bacon Subject: Your written Question
Hello again Dominic,
I can confirm that your question(s) have been accepted as written questions for the meeting on 27 September.
The PCC’s written response will be published just before the meeting (available via the link given in 3. below) and the members of the Panel can ask supplementary questions at the meeting, having read the Commissioner’s response.
You can follow the meeting live on 27 September via the webcast here: https://eastsussex.public-i.tv/core/portal/home. The meeting is being held in public, but the public can only observe (i.e. not participate). The meeting will be in Lewes, East Sussex, and will start at 10:30.
The papers for the meeting will be published here (on or around 19 September): https://sussexpcp.gov.uk/meetings/. As stated above, the report for the “Questions for the Commissioner” item will be updated on the morning of the meeting, to include the PCC’s written responses.
Jo Shiner Biography before Appointment as Chief Constable
Jo Shiner joined Sussex Police as Deputy Chief Constable at the end of 2018. She started her policing career in Norfolk in 1993, serving up to the rank of Chief Superintendent before transferring on promotion to Kent as Assistant Chief Constable in 2014.
Jo’s career in the police spans 28 years, during which time she has undertaken a wide variety of roles. These have predominantly been operational, both in uniform and within the Child and Adult Protection Unit, CID and as a firearms, public order and critical incident commander.
As Deputy Chief Constable, Jo is responsible for the smooth and effective running of Sussex Police, and delivering the services that the communities deserve. As part of this she is passionate about supporting local groups and addressing issues that really matter to our communities.
In January 2020 she took over the NPCC National Lead for the policing of Children and Young People. She is also the NPCC National Lead for police fitness.
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are directly elected politicians and are responsible for overseeing the non-operational aspects of policing. Their journey began in 2012 when they replaced the old police authorities. Since then, it is said that PCCs have been diligently working to secure an “efficient and effective” police force for their respective areas.
In England and Wales, PCCs are elected by the public to hold the police force to account on their behalf. PCCs aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service within their police force area. Police and Crime Commissioners: make sure the police force budget is spent effectively.
Election: PCCs are elected by the public. On the 2nd May 2024, elections took place for 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs) who set policing priorities and hold to account police forces across most of England and Wales. Police & Crime Commissioner elections are held every 4 years.
Coverage: They represent every police force area in England and Wales, except for London, Greater Manchester, and West Yorkshire (where elected mayors hold these powers). Different arrangements exist in the City of London. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate policing structures due to devolution. Police and crime commissioners for each police area listed in Schedule 1 to the Police Act 1996 (police areas outside London).
The Powers and Functions of PCCs
Appointing and Holding to Account:
PCCs appoint and, if necessary, dismiss the chief constable. This role is critical for maintaining effective leadership within the police force.
They hold the chief constable accountable for delivering the police and crime plan, which outlines local policing priorities.
Setting Objectives and Budgets:
PCCs set the police and crime objectives for their area through a comprehensive plan.
They also determine the force budget and decide on the precept which is a council tax charge specifically for policing.
Collaboration and Coordination:
PCCs bring together various community safety and criminal justice partners to ensure that local priorities are aligned.
While they’re not responsible for operational policing (that remains with chief constables), they play a crucial role in coordinating efforts.
Operational Independence:
The relationship between PCCs and chief constables is guided by the Policing Protocol Order 2011. It emphasizes safeguarding operational independence while allowing PCCs to fulfil their statutory roles.
Additionally, the Policing and Crime Act 2017 introduced the possibility for PCCs to take on responsibility for fire and rescue governance, becoming a police, fire, and crime commissioner (PFCC).
secure an efficient and effective police for their area
appoint the Chief Constable, hold them to account, and if necessary dismiss them
set the police and crime objectives for their area through a police and crime plan
set the force budget and determine the precept [the amount people pay through council tax for policing]
contribute to the national and international policing capabilities set out by the Home Secretary
bring together community safety and criminal justice partners to make sure local priorities are joined up.
How to complain about a Police and Crime Commissioner
To complain about your Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), PFCC, mayor or deputy mayor for policing and crime, contact your local police and crime panel. Your local council will provide contact details.
Each police force area has a Police and Crime Panel to provide checks and balances in relation to the performance of the Police and Crime Commissioner. The role of the Panel is to scrutinise the performance of the Commissioner and ensure transparency.
The Panel provides checks and balances in relation to the performance of the PCC. The Panel does not scrutinise the Chief Constable – it scrutinises the PCC’s exercise of their statutory functions. While the Panel is there to challenge the PCC, it must also exercise its functions with a view to supporting the effective exercise of the PCC’s functions. This includes :-
(a) the power of veto (outside the Metropolitan Police District), by a two-thirds majority of the total Panel membership, over the level of the PCC’s proposed precept;
(b) the power of veto (outside the Metropolitan Police District), by a two-thirds majority of the total Panel membership, over the PCC’s proposed candidate for Chief Constable;
(d) the power to review the draft Plan and make recommendations to the PCC who must have regard to them;
(e) the power to review the PCC’s Annual Report and make reports and recommendations at a public meeting, which the PCC must attend;
(f) the power to require relevant reports and information in the PCC’s possession (except those which are operationally sensitive) to enable them to fulfil their statutory obligations;
(g) the power to require the PCC to attend the Panel to answer questions;
(h) the power (outside the Metropolitan Police District) to appoint an acting Police and Crime Commissioner where the incumbent PCC is incapacitated, resigns or is disqualified, and
(i) responsibility for complaints about a PCC, although serious complaints and conduct matters must be passed to the IOPC in line with legislation.
A Police and Crime Panel does not have the power to examine the decisions reached by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and/or their office in respect of such reviews, and is not the correct body of recourse to challenge such decisions made the PCC and/or their office. Such decisions can be subject to judicial review.
The Law Society which is officially known as The Law Society of England and Wales, serves as the professional association representing solicitors within England and Wales. Their vision is to promote, protect and support solicitors, the rule of law and justice in England and Wales.
The Law Society has nothing to do with barristers in England and Wales. The Bar Council of England and Wales is the representative body for barristers in England and Wales.
Here are some key points about this venerable institution:
Representation and Support: The Law Society acts as the voice of solicitors, advocating for their interests and providing essential support. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a trainee solicitor, this organization has your back.
Law Reform: Ever wonder who discusses and shapes legal reforms? Look no further. The Law Society serves as a sounding board for law reform initiatives. When policymakers consider changes to legal frameworks, the society provides valuable insights and recommendations.
Services: Beyond advocacy, The Law Society offers a range of services to its members. These include professional development resources, access to legal publications, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re navigating complex legal issues or seeking career guidance, they’ve got you covered.
Regulation: The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is the independent regulatory arm of The Law Society. It oversees the conduct and professional standards of solicitors. So, while The Law Society represents solicitors, the SRA ensures compliance with ethical and professional norms.
Location: The Law Society’s headquarters reside at 113 Chancery Lane, London. If you ever find yourself strolling down that historic lane, you might just glimpse the legal minds at work.
Diversity and Inclusion: The legal profession is evolving, and The Law Society actively promotes diversity and inclusion. They recognize that a diverse legal community enriches the practice of law and contributes to a fairer society.
Campaigns: The society runs campaigns on various fronts. From advocating for legal aid funding to celebrating the contributions of solicitors with South Asian heritage, they’re committed to positive change.
Legal Heroes: Imagine solicitors making a significant impact—transforming lives, communities, and society. The Legal Heroes initiative recognizes these unsung champions. They’re like legal caped crusaders, minus the spandex.
Anti-Money Laundering: In an era of financial complexity, The Law Society provides guidance to solicitors on anti-money laundering measures. Because even superheroes need to keep their finances clean.
Junior Solicitors Network: For junior solicitors navigating the early stages of their careers, this network offers support, camaraderie, and a safe space to discuss pressing issues.
The Law Society does not provide legal advice.
The Law Society publishes the official database of 201,691 legal professionals on the Find a Solicitor page on its website.
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