The recent announcement to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners in 2028 sent shockwaves through the world of police governance. In this episode, Policing TV host Ben Twomey sits down with Emily Spurrell, PCC for Merseyside and Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, to unpack what this shock announcement really means for policing, accountability and communities.
Emily discusses why she “fundamentally rejects” the idea that PCCs are a failed experiment, the risks of creating chaos in the middle of a wider police reform agenda and whether change is now inevitable or if the government should be prepared for a fightback when they try to put their proposal into law. She also shares how she’s working behind the scenes with government and partners to protect independent oversight, victims’ services and local accountability—whatever model comes next.
Want to hear more from Emily? Check out her recent interview with our sister-magazine, Policing Insight, here
Takeaways
- The announcement of abolishing PCCs was unexpected and chaotic.
- Emily rejects PCCs being labelled a “failed experiment.”
- She warns the change adds instability to an already busy reform agenda.
- PCC offices deliver victim services and prevention on very lean budgets.
- Claimed £100m savings are questioned as governance work must continue.
- Turnout concerns mirror issues for other elected roles, she argues.
- She says chief constable recruitment issues are more nuanced than PCC blame.
- PCC powers could have been strengthened rather than scrapped.
- Whatever replaces PCCs must keep strong, independent local oversight.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Controversy
03:06 Response to the Home Secretary’s Announcement
06:07 Concerns About Police Governance
08:58 Democratic Mandate and Public Engagement
12:04 Recruitment Challenges for Chief Constables
15:08 Future of Police and Crime Commissioners
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