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

Policing Your Community – Commissioner says police teams are taking the fight to drug gangs after joining county lines crackdown

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend watches from a front door as Surrey Police officers execute a warrant at a property linked to possible county lines drug dealing.

The week of action sends a strong message to county lines gangs that police will continue to dismantle their networks in Surrey.

Million-pound crackdown on anti-social behaviour as Commissioner receives funding for hotspot patrols

Police and Crime Commissioner walking through graffiti covered tunnel with two male police officers from the local team in Spelthorne

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said the money will help increase police presence and visibility across Surrey.

Commissioner hails dramatic improvement in 999 and 101 call answering times – as best results on record are achieved

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said that waiting times for contacting Surrey Police on 101 and 999 are now the lowest on Force record.