Public invited to apply for Hampshire Police and Crime Panel
One of its tasks is to hold the Police and Crime Commissioner to account
Hampshire residents are being invited to apply to serve on the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel (PCP).
Two independent co-opted members are needed from July, to join the body that scrutinises and supports the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner .
One of its tasks is to hold the newly-elected PCC Donna Jones to account.
Although the PCC is ultimately accountable to the electorate via the ballot box, they are required to consult with the Panel on plans and budget for policing, as well as the level of council tax, and, when necessary, the appointment of a Chief Constable.
The PCP has powers and responsibilities including:
To review the draft Police and Crime Plan.
To publicly review and scrutinise the Police and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report.
To review and scrutinise decisions made, or actions taken by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
To review, influence and if necessary, challenge Council Tax precept levels proposed by the Commissioner.
To make a recommendation to the Commissioner on any proposal to remove the Chief Constable.
To review and make recommendations to the Commissioner on proposals to appoint senior staff and the Chief Constable.
To review the Commissioner's conduct.
To appoint an Acting Commissioner (from amongst the Commissioner's staff) where the Commissioner is incapacitated or suspended.
It also makes recommendations to the PCC on varied topics, including new and emerging threats, and areas of community concern.
The Panel comprises 15 councillors (one from each of the local authorities within the Hampshire Policing Area, including Hampshire County Council, the 11 district and borough councils in Hampshire, and the unitary authorities for Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton).
Three further councillors who are co-opted from local authorities help reflect Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's political balance, while there are an additional two independent non-councillor co-opted members.
Vice Chairman of the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel and Hampshire Councillor Jan Warwick said: "An exciting opportunity has arisen for two independent co-opted members to join the Panel from July 2021, for a three-year term. We are seeking applications from committed and enthusiastic residents who are keen to make suggestions for improvement to policing, community safety and crime issues across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
"Our two previous Independent Co-opted members enhanced the effectiveness of the Panel through their dedication, knowledge and previous experience and made a very valuable contribution to our work. We welcome the opportunity to bring two new independent co-opted members onto the Panel and would invite applications from anyone eligible to be considered."
A Guide to the Role of an Independent Co-opted Member can be downloaded from https://documents.hants.gov.uk/recruitment/Guide-Role-Independent-Co-opted-Member.pdf , and includes further information about the role of the Panel and its Independent Co-opted Members and eligibility for co-option.
Applicants are invited to apply online at https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/governmentinhampshire/police-crime-panel/co-opted-independent-member
The closing date for applications is 25 May 2021.
Formal appointments will be made on 2 July 2021.