Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey has ruled out appointing a full-time deputy.
PCCs in a number of police areas including the likes of Durham, Devon and Cornwall, Essex, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and West Midlands employ or have employed a deputy to help them with their duties, even though it is not mandated in legislation.
Some have proved controversial with such positions either being scrapped to save money, or individuals criticised for taking up a salary which could be better spent elsewhere.
A report which discussed a ‘continuity plan’ in the event Mr Storey was no longer able to fulfil the role during his elected term said it wasn’t deemed necessary to create such a role, although this would be kept under review.
Image: Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner
The report for members of the Cleveland Police and Crime Panel said should a vacancy occur, for example due to a resignation or death, or the PCC was incapacitated or suspended, legislation required an ‘acting’ appointment would need to be made from the PCC’s staff.
They would cease to hold office once a new PCC was elected; their appointment was terminated by the panel; the PCC recovered from their incapacity or was no longer suspended.
The report said that to ensure continuity in leadership and the effective operation of the PCC office, the person holding the statutory role of chief executive should be considered to be appointed acting PCC.
The current chief executive in the office of the PCC in Cleveland is Lisa Oldroyd, who is also its monitoring officer and has been in post for the past four years.
It added: “Unless the PCC informs the panel otherwise, this continuity plan is to be taken as the PCC’s formal representation regarding any future acting PCC appointment.
“This ensures the PCC’s intent is respected in the event they are incapacitated and unable to make representations directly.
“It is recommended that these arrangements are renewed on an annual basis.”
The PCC’s role includes coming up with a strategic plan for their local force and holding them to account in terms of the objectives in it, setting the police precept – the police portion of local council tax – and recommending the appointment of a chief constable
