Police and Crime Panel

The Durham Police and Crime Panel (PCP), which is currently hosted by Durham County Council, provides checks and balances on the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). The Panel does not scrutinise Durham Constabulary, but scrutinises and supports the work of the Durham Police and Crime and Commissioner (PCC).

The Panel has a key role in constructively challenging the PCC, and in supporting their role in enhancing the public accountability of the force.

The Panel is constituted of ten elected councillors, seven from Durham County Council and three from Darlington Borough Council. There are also two additional co-opted members, helping to ensure that the Panel has a good mix of skills, knowledge and experience to carry out its work.

The Panel has a number of powers and responsibilities, including to:

• review the draft police and crime plan
• publicly scrutinise the PCC’s annual report
• review and scrutinise decisions and actions by the PCC
• review and veto the PCC’s proposed precept levels
• review the PCC’s conduct
• review and confirm the PCC’s proposed appointments of Chief Constable, Chief Executive, Chief Finance Officer and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner
• administer complaints in relation to the handling and determination of complaints against the PCC and/or Deputy PCC