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 calls on Government to consider national insurance funding

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner has written to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to share her concerns over the national insurance increase.

Affected by anti-social behaviour? Here’s how to access support

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend on a hotspot patrol with Surrey Police officers

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner has shared information and resources to better support victims of anti-social behaviour.

Surrey officers who fought for freedom during the First and Second World Wars are remembered

A captain who was the last surviving member of his battalion and the first Surrey police officer to die during the First World War have been remembered.