In this second conversation with Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, the focus shifts to the work of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners during one of the biggest periods of reform policing has faced in years. As APCC Chair, Spurrell explains how the organisation has been working closely with ministers, civil servants and PCC colleagues to influence the Police Reform White Paper, protect key principles around governance and represent members’ priorities as the detail begins to take shape.
The interview also looks at the pressure this creates for a small national team still supporting PCCs with the day-to-day realities of policing. From governance, legislation and reform timetables to victims, volunteers and rural crime, Spurrell sets out how the APCC is balancing business as usual with a fast-moving reform programme — and why getting the detail right now will matter for policing and the public for years to come.
Key takeaways
- Emily Spurrell says the APCC has been deeply involved in police reform from day one.
- A big priority is making sure local policing governance is not lost in the new system.
- The APCC is working closely with ministers and civil servants to influence the detail.
- Spurrell says the organisation is identifying members’ red lines and feeding them in regularly.
- Not every proposal has full agreement, so the APCC is focusing on the biggest issues first.
- She warns that major reform is moving quickly and risks losing detail if scrutiny is rushed.
- The APCC team is small, but still supporting PCCs on both reform and day-to-day policing issues.
- The interview shows how much will depend on getting governance, legislation and implementation right.
Chapters
00:00 – What the APCC is doing now
01:12 – Influencing the White Paper
03:02 – How the APCC decides its position
05:12 – The speed of reform and the risks
07:23 – Reform alongside the day job
08:52 – Beyond reform: the wider APCC role
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