The Home Secretary wants clarity on her role in operational issues as part of the review of PCCs.

In a written statement, Priti Patel said the Policing Protocol Order, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Home Secretary, PCCs, Chief Constables and crime panels will be re-looked at.

Her statement on recommendations of Part Two of the Police and Crime Commissioner Review said a targeted, stakeholder consultation will “seek views from our policing partners on how we can refresh this document to provide a ‘brighter-line’ on the boundaries of operational independence and to better reflect my role as Home Secretary”.

One change will be the PCC role on Local Criminal Justice Boards (LCJBs) will be put on a statutory footing to enable better partnership working.

The processes for complaints of criminal misconduct is likely to be aligned with the code of conduct regime for mayors and councillors in local government.

But the standards bar for conduct for Police and Crime Commissioners will not be raised, despite their increasing role in conduct issues.

It comes despite the showdown between a crime panel and then North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Philip Allott over comments in a radio interview.

He resigned after a vote of no confidence but crime panel members said he didn’t have to accept it and they had no powers to sack him.

The Home Secretary said: “There is already a high bar in place for PCC conduct. Having explored the options for introducing recall, the review has not recommended doing so, given the stringent disqualification rules in place for PCCs.”

Responding to the statement Association of Police and Crime Commissioners Chair Marc Jones said: “By putting PCC chaired Local Criminal Justice Boards (LCJBs) on a statutory footing, the review recognises the critical role that these Boards play, mobilising agencies to work together more effectively. With stronger powers to bring local partners together, PCCs can drive improvements for victims and the public. 

“We support the wider power of competence and are pleased to see its inclusion. We will also work closely with both the government and policing partners on the Policing Protocol review, to ensure it delivers the best outcomes for the public and policing.”