What happens to policing when its local watchdog is abolished?
In this third and final conversation, Policing TV’s Bernard Rix speaks with Fran Hughes, Chief Executive of the Devon & Cornwall Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, about the future of police governance in England and Wales.
Fran reflects on the sudden announcement that PCCs will be abolished in 2028, the uncertainty facing her team, and the parallel reforms coming in the police reform white paper and the Blunkett–Herbert leadership review. She also shares why strong, informed governance still matters – and why local communities must keep a voice over how almost half of the policing budget is spent.
Takeaways
- PCC abolition was announced with no prior consultation.
- There is a significant push for police force mergers in the UK.
- Managing the impact of these changes is a priority for Fran’s team.
- The future of policing governance remains uncertain post-2028.
- Future local oversight may shift to new policing boards.
- Fran’s office is feeding real-world experience into the leadership review.
- The complexities of police governance require careful navigation.
- Any new model must retain strong, informed police governance.
- Communities paying 40%+ of policing costs must keep a voice.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Police Reform and Mergers
02:27 Impact of Abolishing Police and Crime Commissioners
05:48 Leadership Review Insights and Contributions
08:03 Future of Policing Governance
10:07 Reflections on a Career in Policing
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