22.01.14
PCCs have ‘gaps in the system’ – NAO
The policing oversight framework has a number of gaps, the National Audit Office (NAO) has found. In a new report, it cautions that this could limit the public’s ability to hold Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to account.
But the new system has the potential to be an improvement on unelected police authorities.
The NAO reported that gaps in the Home Office’s framework included: limited effectiveness of police and crime panels; HM Inspectorate of Constabulary’s lack of authority to carry out routine inspections of commissioners; and few checks and balances on PCCs.
PCCs are also not publishing all the data required by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.
Amyas Morse, head of the NAO, said: “The new policing framework has been in place for only just over a year but already it is clear that there are gaps in the system with the potential to undermine accountability both to the Home Office and the public.
“More work is needed to ensure that all elements of the framework are working effectively to minimize risks to value for money.”
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