Chapter 5: The role of the citizen within the legal system - Police and Crime Commissioners

Question 1

Police and Crime Commissioners

Answer 1

Police and Crime Commissioners were new appointments created by the Conservative-led government in 2010

Question 2

Traditionally, what did the various police forces in the UK each have?

Answer 2

Traditionally, the various police forces in the UK each had their own Police Authority made up of local:
1. Councillors
2. Magistrates
,who elected their own chairperson

Question 3

What does funding for the police, although handled locally and shown separately on council tax bills, also rely upon?

Answer 3

Funding for the police, although:
1. Handled locally
2. Shown separately on council tax bills
,also relies upon central government grants

Question 4

In 2012, elections were held for the first time for what?

Answer 4

In 2012, elections were held for the first time for Police and Crime Commissioners for each regional police force

Question 5

In 2012, elections were held for the first time for Police and Crime Commissioners for each regional police force.
Describe these elections

Answer 5

1. These elections were not well advertised, or funded

2. Those elected were elected on a very low turnout

Question 6

In 2012, elections were held for the first time for Police and Crime Commissioners for each regional police force.
These elections were not well advertised, or funded and those elected were elected on a very low turnout.
What was the average turnout?

Answer 6

The average turnout was less than 15%

Question 7

In 2012, elections were held for the first time for Police and Crime Commissioners for each regional police force.
The average turnout was less than 15%.
How many candidates stood for the 41 posts in England and Wales?

Answer 7

192 candidates stood for the 41 posts in England and Wales

Question 8

In the UK, there are 41 posts to be a Police and Crime Commissioner, because the 2 forces in London do not have Police and Crime Commissioners.
In London, that function forms what?

Answer 8

In London, that function forms a part of the duties of the Mayor of London

Question 9

In the 2016 elections for the 41 Police and Crime Commissioner posts, how many posts were won by the Conservative Party?

Answer 9

In the 2016 elections for the 41 Police and Crime Commissioner posts, 20 posts were won by the Conservative Party

Question 10

In the 2016 elections for the 41 Police and Crime Commissioner posts, how many posts were won by the Labour Party?

Answer 10

In the 2016 elections for the 41 Police and Crime Commissioner posts, 15 posts were won by the Labour Party

Question 11

In the 2016 elections for the 41 Police and Crime Commissioner posts, how many posts were won by independent candidates?

Answer 11

In the 2016 elections for the 41 Police and Crime Commissioner posts, 3 posts were won by independent candidates

Question 12

In the 2016 elections for the 41 Police and Crime Commissioner posts, how many posts were won by the Plaid Cymru Party?

Answer 12

In the 2016 elections for the 41 Police and Crime Commissioner posts, 2 posts were won by the Plaid Cymru Party

Question 13

What does the role of Police and Crime Commissioners include?

Answer 13

The role of Police and Crime Commissioners includes:

1. Meeting the public to listen to their views about policing
2. Producing a police and crime plan and setting out police priorities
3. Deciding how the budget should be spent
4. Appointing chief constables and dismissing them if necessary