The Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner has passionately defended the post, insisting that it offers the taxpayer value for money and strengthens local democracy. Conservative Marc Jones admitted that he had reservations when the position was introduced by the government in 2012, but said that the role has settled down across the country, including in…
The Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner has passionately defended the post, insisting that it offers the taxpayer value for money and strengthens local democracy.
Conservative Marc Jones admitted that he had reservations when the position was introduced by the government in 2012, but said that the role has settled down across the country, including in Lincolnshire.
Jones was elected as the county’s second PCC in May 2016, succeeding Independent Alan Hardwick.
In response to questions sent in by readers of The Lincolnite sceptical about the role of the PCC, Jones said: “Back in 2012, I was of a similar view in that they were pointless and a waste of money. You think it’s a new thing, a new cost.
“Well it isn’t.
“Before there was a Police Authority which had 17 councillors on it. All 17 of those were elected on a few hundred votes locally to be local councillors. Not one of them was given one vote to do anything with police, so the PCC role is very specific looking at these range of services.
This system now is a £170,000 a year cheaper. It means you have an individual you can elect or not elect if they don’t do a good job.
“It’s much more effective in giving the Chief Constable the support that he or she needs to be able to do their job better.
“Generally speaking, I think the role has settled down very well nationally.”
Watch back our live web chat with Marc Jones, with questions on funding, G4S, car parking spaces, hate crimes and much more.
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