The Policing Protocol Order 2011

The Panel

24.  The Panel provides checks and balances in relation to the performance of the PCC. The Panel does not scrutinise the Chief Constable – it scrutinises the PCC’s exercise of their statutory functions. While the Panel is there to challenge the PCC, it must also exercise its functions with a view to supporting the effective exercise of the PCC’s functions. This includes—

(a) the power of veto (outside the Metropolitan Police District), by a two-thirds majority of the total Panel membership, over the level of the PCC’s proposed precept;

(b) the power of veto (outside the Metropolitan Police District), by a two-thirds majority of the total Panel membership, over the PCC’s proposed candidate for Chief Constable;

(c) the power to ask Her Majesty’s Inspector’s of Constabulary (“HMIC”) for a professional view when the PCC intends to dismiss a Chief Constable;

(d) the power to review the draft Plan and make recommendations to the PCC who must have regard to them;

(e) the power to review the PCC’s Annual Report and make reports and recommendations at a public meeting, which the PCC must attend;

(f) the power to require relevant reports and information in the PCC’s possession (except those which are operationally sensitive) to enable them to fulfil their statutory obligations;

(g) the power to require the PCC to attend the Panel to answer questions;

(h) the power (outside the Metropolitan Police District) to appoint an acting Police and Crime Commissioner where the incumbent PCC is incapacitated, resigns or is disqualified; and

(i) responsibility for complaints about a PCC, although serious complaints and conduct matters must be passed to the IPCC in line with legislation.