THE Police and Crime Commissioner(PCC) for West Mercia, John Campion, has welcomed a review that will ensure PCCs are more accountable to the communities they serve.

A national review into the role of PCCs was announced in July 2020 with the aim to strengthen the accountability of PCCs and expand their role.

The initial recommendations from the review, which has been led by Home Secretary Priti Patel, will ensure the public have transparent, democratically-elected, local leaders who are equipped to drive down crime and deliver the safer communities the public deserve.

Other recommendations to be outlined ahead of the upcoming PCC elections in May include: Changing the PCC voting system to first-past-the-post, making sure PCCs provide the public with clear information on their force's performance, mandating the appointment of deputy PCCs to ensure continuity in unforeseen circumstances and making changes to ensure more effective and consistent relationships between PCCs and Chief Constables

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PCC Campion said it was 'right' that the review took place.

"As the Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my job to be the voice of the people of West Mercia," said Mr Campion.

"Therefore, it is absolutely right that a review has been carried out that makes the role more accountable to the public.

"This review will see the role of PCCs strengthen, but potentially also extended, which will ensure the communities of West Mercia benefit.

"I also welcome the launch of the Fire Reform White Paper which will allow the public to have their views on the transferring of fire and rescue authority functions to PCCs.

"I still strongly believe this will be of benefit to the police and fire services, as well as the communities they serve."