New APCC chair promises ‘swifter high quality justice’

David Lloyd has pledged to deliver greater local oversight of criminal justice after being elected as the new chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC). The Hertfordshire PCC was unopposed as the preferred candidate at the APCC’s annual general meeting on Wednesday (July 19). Mr Lloyd, a Conservative, has served as a PCC since 2012 and works on the National Criminal Justice Board as well as leading the criminal justice portfolio for the APCC. He replaces the Labour PCC for Northumbria Dame Vera Baird, as under APCC policy successive chairs must have different political affiliations. Mr Lloyd thanked Dame Vera for her “brilliant” work over the last year to raise the profile of PCCs. He said: “This is a crucial time for the APCC and I am delighted to be able to take on the position of chair for the next year. “Through its portfolio approach the association is now better placed than it has ever been to drive forward our policy agenda and speak out on issues that matter to our constituents. “In particular, and in my role as criminal justice system portfolio lead, I will be working to give greater local oversight of criminal justice, which would lead to swifter high quality justice and improve the experience for all involved. “It is my firm belief that PCCs should have the same powers over the criminal justice system that they currently have over their police force: set the plan, set the budget, appoint a chief and hold to account.”