Sussex Police & Crime Panel

The PCC is ultimately responsible to the Sussex electorate for their performance in office. However, a Police & Crime Panel (PCP) in each police force area has the power to scrutinise the PCC’s activities, including the ability to review the Police & Crime Plan and Annual Report, request reports from the PCC and to call the PCC to public hearings. The PCP can also veto decisions about the proposed local Council Tax precept and the appointment of a new Chief Constable. The Panel do not hold Sussex Police to account because that is the role of the elected PCC.

Key functions of the Sussex Police & Crime Panel:

  • review and challenge the Police & Crime Plan
  • make recommendations on the police precept
  • review and report on the PCC’s Annual Report
  • scrutinise key strategic decisions
  • review and have the power to veto Chief Constable appointments via a public confirmation hearing
  • review other senior appointments
  • carry out initial handling and informal resolution of complaints against the PCC [and any Deputy PCC]
  • make reports or recommendations to the PCC on the discharge of her functions
  • publish its reports and any recommendations made

The PCP is made up of representatives from all of the local authorities in the policing area [county, unitary, district and borough]. It operates as a formal joint committee of the constituent authorities and each council in the force area has nominated a member to the Panel [15 in Sussex]. There are also two independent members on the PCP who are not elected councillors.

The Panel has the power to suspend the PCC if charged with an imprisonable offence and may appoint an acting PCC should the PCC be incapacitated, disqualified, or should they resign.

What the Sussex Police & Crime Panel does not have:

  • the ability to scrutinise the Force or its work
  • the ability to work with the PCC on decisions about funding and priorities
  • management or control of Community Safety Partnerships
  • scrutiny of local policing or community safety initiatives

Watch live

Meetings of the Sussex Police & Crime Panel are webcast live by East Sussex County Council (ESCC). Recordings are available to view on the ESCC website for 12-months after the meetings have concluded. 

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