Emily Spurrell elected APCC chair
Emily Spurrell has been elected as chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC).
The Merseyside police and crime commissioner (PCC) takes over from Donna Jones and will serve a term of two years,
Following the vote by the APCC’s membership at its annual general meeting on Friday (September 27), Ms Spurrell said: “I am enormously proud and grateful to be elected as chair of the APCC. On behalf of all APCC’s members, I would like to thank Donna Jones for her work and dedication during her time as chair.
“PCCs’ key focus is on local priorities such as reducing anti-social behaviour, making our streets safer, and reducing violence against women and girls and youth violence. These are very much aligned with the new government’s stated aims and, as the voice of the public in policing, we look forward to working with ministers to achieve these goals.
“Whilst we need to ensure our police have the tools they need to combat crime, we would all rather the offences were not being committed in the first place.
“I want to see more of a focus on prevention to divert those at risk of being drawn into crime, and on rehabilitation to reduce the high rate of reoffending that sees offenders stuck in a revolving door going in and out of our hugely overcrowded prisons and putting strain on an overstretched Probation Service.”
Ms Spurrell, who was elected as Labour PCC for Merseyside in May 2021 and re-elected in May this year, added: “After a difficult few years which has required policing to reflect carefully on its relationship with the public, PCCs have been key to driving cultural change within forces in order to rebuild public confidence and, as APCC chair, I will continue to work with police leaders to deliver a service of which all our communities feel proud.
“In recent months, we have seen the very best of our police service – officers running towards danger to protect the public and places of worship, standing up against racism and thuggery.
“There’s no doubt there are challenges ahead, but I’m hugely proud to take up this role at a time of fresh optimism and hope for the future, to work with all our partners to build safer streets for communities across England and Wales.”
Outgoing chair Ms Jones, who is in her second term as Conservative PCC for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: “Emily has my very best wishes as she assumes the role of APCC chair. My time representing PCCs at a national level has been incredibly busy but greatly rewarding, too.
“During a period when the need for scrutiny of our police has never been more marked, I have worked hard to champion PCCs’ role in that and am confident that chief constables now understand the value of such scrutiny on behalf of the public they serve.
“I was particularly pleased to secure £1 million of Home Office funding for the APCC which is supporting the organisation in its work to strengthen the functions of PCCs and increase their profile.
“As advocates for our local communities, PCCs have a vital role to play in delivering an effective and efficient police service that not only solves but prevents crime, whilst working across and beyond policing to put in place the best possible support for victims, and rehabilitation of offenders.
“I’m delighted to be taking on the role of joint APCC lead on criminal justice at such a critical time. I very much look forward to continuing to work with Emily as she picks up the baton of chair to continue shaping a successful future for PCCs.”