The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire is responsible for holding the Chief Constable to account and ensuring that the best policing service possible is delivered to the people of North Yorkshire and the City of York.
The North Yorkshire Police Authority was abolished on 22 November 2012 and replaced with one directly elected individual called a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
On 15 November 2018, responsibility for governance and oversight of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service transferred to the Commissioner, whose title changed as a consequence to become the North Yorkshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner (PFCC).
Whilst the Chief Constable retains independence regarding operational policing decisions, the PFCC is responsible for ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively and will hold the Chief Constable to account.
The PFCC sets the strategic direction of the service and sets performance targets after listening to local people about their views of the police. The PFCC also sets the police budget and raises a precept on local council taxpayers. PFCCs can appoint and, where necessary, remove Chief Constables.
The relationship between the Chief Constable and the PFCC is enshrined in a Memorandum of Understanding.
The balance of power and decision making between the PFCC, the Chief Constable and also the Home Secretary is called the ‘tripartite’ system of governance which is unique to the British Police Service.
Further details of the decision making structure of the PFCC can be found at the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire website. Throughout this site, specific details are given of how the PFCC works and how they are accountable to local people for the police service.