Police and Crime Commissioner

Conservative candidate Mark Shelford was elected in May 2021, winning with 161,319 votes (34.4% of the vote) after second preference votes were counted.

PCC responsibilities

The PCC is responsible for setting the strategic direction and the budget for policing in Avon and Somerset. 

This involves:

• holding the police to account through the Chief Constable
• supporting and challenging police performance
• being accountable to the electorate
• setting policing priorities in consultation with residents
• consulting and involving local people
• engaging our communities
• setting the policing part of the council tax
• commissioning services and awarding grants

PCC priorities

PCC Mark Shelford’s priorities include more visible policing, strengthening specialist teams, refocusing the police on fighting crime and increased partnership working with NHS and other agencies. You can find out more at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) website.

Police and Crime Plan

Under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, the PCC is also required to produce a statutory document called the Police and Crime Plan, which outlines the strategic direction for their term in office.

The Police and Crime Plan sets out the PCC’s strategic priorities, most importantly following consultation with you. They are:

• Preventing and fighting crime
• Engaging, supporting and working with communities, victims and partner organisations
• Leading the police to be efficient and effective
• Increasing the legitimacy of, and public confidence in, the police and criminal justice system

You can find out more about the plan on the OPCC website.