The North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner is the local governing body for policing in our area, and the role replaced North Wales Police Authority. The Commissioner has an overarching duty to secure an efficient and effective police force, which demonstrates value for money and, above all, cuts crime.
The Commissioner has four main duties, which are to:
- Set out the priorities for policing in North Wales
- Decide the budget for North Wales Police
- Hold the Chief Constable to account, and to
- Listen and respond to your views on policing
In order to fulfil these duties, the Commissioner has a range of powers and responsibilities including:
- Being accountable to the electorate and representing the public in policing matters
- Preparing a Police and Crime Plan which sets out the strategic direction and objectives for policing in North Wales
- Setting the policing ‘precept’, which is the part of local council tax that goes towards policing
- Working with partners to prevent and tackle crime and re-offending
- Holding the Force to account, through the Chief Constable, for the delivery of police services
- Appointing and, if necessary, dismissing the Chief Constable
- Overseeing complaints against North Wales Police
- Commissioning community safety services and projects in the area
- Ensuring that public priorities are acted upon, victims are consulted and that the most vulnerable individuals are not overlooked
- Ensuring value for money
We have produced a guide on the role of Police and Crime Commissioners in Wales and how they operate. Click the link below to learn more:
An easy read version of this guide is also available to read by clicking the link below:
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and North Wales Police are two different organisations. As such, the two roles of Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales and Chief Constable of North Wales Police (who is currently Amanda Blakeman) have unique responsibilities:
| Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales | Chief Constable of North Wales Police |
| Is elected by public vote. | Is chosen through a recruitment process. |
| Sets out the priorities for policing in North Wales through the Police and Crime Plan. | Has accountability for delivery of policing and the management of policing response in North Wales. |
| Decides the budget for North Wales Police and sets the policing ‘precept’, which is the part of local council tax that goes towards policing. | Is responsible for managing day-to-day finances from the budget agreed by the Police and Crime Commissioner. |
| Represents the public in policing matters and listens and responds to their views on policing. | Is accountable to the Police and Crime Commissioner. |
| Holds the Chief Constable to account. | Leads and manages the performance of North Wales Police. |
Police and Crime Panel
The North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner is scrutinised by an independent Police and Crime Panel made up of ten councillors from across North Wales and three co-opted independent members.
Each force area has a Police and Crime Panel to maintain a regular check and balance on the performance of the Commissioner on behalf of the electorate. The Commissioner is also required to consult with the Panel on their plans and budget for policing, as well as the level of council tax and the appointment of a Chief Constable.
The Panel is made up of ten local councillors and three co-opted independent members. Conwy County Borough Council is the ‘Host Authority’ for the North Wales Police and Crime Panel and provides the required support services for the effective operation and discharge of duties of the Police and Crime Panel.
Visit the North Wales Police and Crime Panel website for further information including membership details, minutes and agendas.