Performance and scrutiny

One of the key jobs of the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is to check how well the police are doing. Not doing the day-to-day policing, but making sure Cheshire Constabulary is working effectively, spending money wisely and keeping people safe.

“Scrutiny” just means looking closely at police performance and hold the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public. The PCC supports, challenges and checks the Constabulary on things like how well it delivers the priorities in the Police and Crime Plan.

How the PCC does scrutiny

Scrutiny board

The Scrutiny board is a key part of how the PCC holds the police to account. These are formal meetings where the PCC and senior police leaders:

• Look at performance against the Police and Crime Plan
• Review data about police activity
• Ask questions and challenge the Chief Constable on results

There are a mixture of public and private scrutiny meetings, with the public meetings being open to the public via live streaming or a watch later option.

Independent information from volunteers

To help make sure police work is properly reviewed, the PCC has a group of volunteers that look at specific issues such as:

• The welfare of police dogs
• How well call handlers give advice to people
• How detainees are treated in custody

These volunteers help the PCC spot where police practice is good and where it can be improved.

Out of Court Resolutions scrutiny panel

There are also special panels that review out of court resolutions – situations where a low-level crime or anti-social behaviour is dealt with outside of court, with the victim’s consent. These panels look at whether the police used this approach appropriately and fairly.

External Inspection – HMICFRS

The PCC also pays close attention to reports from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service (HMICFRS) – the independent body that inspects police forces on effectiveness, fairness, efficiency and legitimacy.

When HMICFRS publishes inspection reports about Cheshire Constabulary, the PCC responds publicly to those reports and shares thoughts on what should happen next.

You can view the HMICFRS reports here.

Why scrutiny matters

Scrutiny helps make policing in Cheshire open, transparent and accountable. It shows that the police, the PCC and local leaders are all working in the public interest. Residents can see how decisions are made and whether they are delivering the results communities care about.