Ask me in 2 years then!!

Questions arise about the preparedness of Police and Crime Commissioners ahead of elections in November

On Thursday 21^st June, Stephen Greenhalgh made a dramatic appearance in front of the London Assembly Committee as Deputy Mayor of Policing and Crime in what can only be described as a “complete fiasco”.

Deputy Mayor Greenhalgh after three weeks in his position advised the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe that he was not required to attend the Committee meeting, despite receiving advanced knowledge of the agenda that contained a majority of questions outlining Operational Policing. This judgement began a thirty minute angered discussion between the Deputy Mayor and Committee.

Assembly members considered adjourning the meeting and described Mr. Greenhalgh as having a “cocky attitude”, most notably after he advised the Committee that their role is to hold him to account and he failed to acknowledge why the Police Commissioner was required to attend each monthly meeting considering his busy schedule.

Comments made by Assembly Member Jenny Jones however raised concerns about the preparedness of Mr. Greenhalgh in his new role.

Jenny Jones “you cannot possibly answer all the questions that we have today on your own and I don’t think even in 6 months time you would be able to”.

Mr Greenhalgh then criticised the Assembly’s preparation for the meeting claiming that he only had 48 hours to review the agenda and areas of questioning. Some Assembly members accepted this was a short review period but nevertheless highlighted that many areas of Committee questioning are topical.

Jenny Jones: “In two years time 48 hours will be more than plenty”

Stephen Greenhalgh: “Give me two years then”

In November Police Authorities will be disbanded and single elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC’s) will begin their roles with duties to develop a Police and Crime Plan and hold the Chief Constable of each force to account in his/her duties across England and Wales, a role that contains the same requirements as the Deputy Mayor of Policing and Crime Stephen Greenhalgh.

The lack of preparation by the Deputy Mayor acts as a caveat ahead of PCC elections and creates apprehension as to whether a single individual has the necessary abilities to fulfil the legal requirements associated with the role.

Comments by Green Party Assembly member Jenny Jones emphasised the length of time it will take PCC’s to acquire the relevant knowledge to perform successfully, but will this be effective or a burden for Chief Constables?

Whilst there will be a transitional period between the dissolution of Police Authorities and the introduction of PCC’s, the wealth of knowledge required to undertake the role will take a substantial amount of time to ascertain, added to the obligatory development of a police and crime plan it seems the tasks will necessitate strong assistance from the very person they hold to account.

PCC elections will occur every four years and should the position require 6+ months to assemble the colossal amount of information needed to execute the role successfully, it brings to question how this new form of policing accountability proposed by the Home Secretary will be enhanced?

The sensitivity of ‘operational independence’ for Chief Constables remains a fundamental factor in the future of policing, but a PCC’s position is to ensure effectiveness, efficiency and value for money for each force, objectives it is hard to believe won’t be detrimental to operational independence, particularly at a time where police forces face budgetary and officer cuts.

By Mathew Martin

#M_Martin2