Mayor responds to planned abolition of police commissioners

The Mayor of the East Midlands has joined the region’s police and crime commissioners in pledging their commitment to “creating communities where people feel safe and supported”.

Mayor Claire Ward, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts and Nottinghamshire PCC Gary Godden spoke out after the Government announced plans to end the roles of police and crime commissioners as the current PCCs reach the end of their terms.

The plan was announced by the Home Office today, as part of a major series of reforms to policing, with the roles to “be absorbed by regional mayors wherever possible, meaning measures to cut crime will be considered as part of wider public services such as education and healthcare”.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “I would like to recognise the efforts of all current and former police and crime commissioners, and thank them. These individuals served their communities and will continue to do so until they have completed their current terms.”

In a joint statement, Mayor Claire, PCC Ndiweni-Roberts and PCC Godden said: “Today’s announcement does not come as a surprise, and we have been preparing for the possibility of this change for some time.

“The Mayor and PCCs already work together closely and will continue to do so to ensure a smooth transition.

“Making the region a great place to live and work is about creating communities where people feel safe and supported, and we all remain committed to that goal.

“The public can be certain that the police will still be held accountable, victim services will be maintained and the incredible partnership working across the region will continue on behalf of the public.”