Police & Crime Plan

Roles and responsibilities

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act (2011) established the role of the Police & Crime Commissioner to be a visible and accountable bridge between the Police and the public.

The Chief Constable retains responsibility for delivering operational policing, whilst the Commissioner holds him to account for doing so. The Commissioner is held to account by the public and the Police and Crime Panel scrutinises the decisions of the Commissioner.

The Police and Crime Commissioner:

  • Sets the strategic direction for policing in Surrey through the publication of the Police and Crime Plan
  • Sets the budget and precept for policing in Surrey
  • Holds the Chief Constable to account for delivery of the Police and Crime Plan and for efficient and effective policing
  • Appoints and, if necessary, dismisses the Chief Constable
  • Commissions services to help victims cope and recover, services to divert people away from crime and to prevent crime and to rehabilitate perpetrators
  • Works with partners to reduce crime and improve community safety in Surrey

The Chief Constable:

  • Delivers an efficient and effective policing service which meets the needs of Surrey residents
  • Manages the resources and expenditure of the police force
  • Is operationally independent of the Police and Crime Commissioner

The Police and Crime Panel:

• Scrutinises the key decisions of the Police and Crime Commissioner
• Reviews and makes recommendations on the Police and Crime Plan
• Reviews and makes recommendations on the proposed policing precept (council tax)
• Holds confirmation hearings for the appointment of the Chief Constable and key staff supporting the Commissioner
• Deals with complaints against the Commissioner

Lisa Townsend

Latest News

Commissioner welcomes tough sentences for activists who blocked M25

motorway gantry on M25

The Commissioner said substantial jail terms given to five members of the Just Stop Oil group should act as a deterrent to others.

Great-gran, 93, and woman forced to sleep on kitchen floor are among “hidden” Surrey victims of cuckooing

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy PCC Ellie Vesey-Thompson with Keely Glithero and Sue Murphy from Catalyst Support

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner has met with experts at a service dedicated to supporting "hidden" victims of exploitation.

Commissioner says “We are listening”, as residents share views on anti-social behaviour

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend standing outside office with Surrey Police Head of ASB and Partnerships Joanna Grimshaw

Residents revealed that littering, speeding and fly-tipping were among the biggest issues in a survey about anti-social behaviour.