Police Commissioner

Who is the Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner?

Jeff Cuthbert

Mr Cuthbert’s was re-elected in May 2021 as Commissioner for a three year term, and he is responsible for representing the people of Gwent and making sure the service provided by the police is efficient and effective.

This is done by:

• holding the Chief Constable to account for the delivery of local policing;
• setting and updating a police and crime plan;
• setting the force budget and precept;
• regularly engaging with the public and communities;
• appointing, and where necessary dismissing, the Chief Constable.

Mr Cuthbert has highlighted that he aims to be a “visible” and “inclusive” PCC and has vowed to ensure that the principles of social justice and fairness become the cornerstone of policing practice in the region.

Email: Commissioner@gwent.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 01633 642200
Web: www.gwent.pcc.police.uk
Twitter: @gwentPCC

What is the Police and Crime Commissioner?

The introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) presented a major change to the governance of policing, and they play an important and influential role. The PCC is responsible for representing the public within Gwent and making sure the service provided by the Police is effective and efficient and of the highest standard. The PCC is also responsible to hold the Chief Constable to account.

The PCC’s responsibilities include setting local policing priorities, managing the Force budget, setting the police element of council tax, and they have the ability to hire and fire the Chief Constable. They also have wider responsibilities for the deliver of community safety and crime reduction, to ensure that collaboration agreements with other Local Policing Bodies and police forces are effective, and the improvement of the delivery of criminal justice in their area.

In addition, they ensure that the needs of victims of crime are at the centre of their agenda. For this role, they receive a salary of around £70,000 each year and be held to account for their performance at the ballot box every four years.

What is the Police and Crime Panel?

The PCC is scrutinised by a Police and Crime Panel, who are made up of Councillors and Independent Members. Where appropriate, Panels have the duty to comment on the PCC’s appointment of the Chief Constable and other senior appointments to the PCC’s office, and to veto the PCC’s police precept level.

Panels focus their attention on key strategic actions and decisions taken by the PCC including whether they have achieved the objectives set out in their police and crime plan and annual report, consider the applicable priorities of community safety partners and consult appropriately with the public.

The situation in Wales in regards to the panels is different from England as they are free standing panels established by the Home Secretary.

What will the PCCs relationship be with the Chief Constable?

The PCC is not able to impinge on the operational independence of the Chief Constable, i.e. direct where resources such as police officers should be deployed. The Chief Constable retains responsibility for all operational policing.