Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) have been elected by the public in England and Wales since 2012, when they were introduced by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act.
They act as the voice of the public across their force area. PCCs are responsible for the oversight and strategic management of a number of areas of policing, community safety and victims’ services.
PCCs took over many of the duties previously performed by Police Authorities.
Read more about the PCC role hereWhen it disbanded in 2012, Cleveland Police Authority was made up of nine elected members appointed by a joint committee from Cleveland’s four local authorities and eight independent members.
What’s happening to PCCs?
On 13 November 2025, Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP announced to Parliament that the role of PCC will be abolished across England and Wales.
The change will happen at the end of the next electoral cycle in May 2028, when the term of current PCC officeholders expires.
Where possible, the PCC role will be absorbed by elected mayors.
In areas not covered by a regional mayor, a Policing and Crime Boards will be established, made up of local government leaders.
The Government will ensure support services for victims and witnesses continue to run as smoothly as possible during the changeover.
What’s happening in Cleveland?
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Cleveland is working closely with the Government, policy makers and other stakeholders to understand the impact of the changes locally.
We will update the public as soon as we’ve established what change will look like.
What else is happening?
The move to abolish PCCs comes as part of a series of major reforms to policing by the Government.
The Government says it wants to raise policing standards, strengthen performance management and end the “postcode lottery” for crime outcomes.
The upcoming White Paper on Policing Reform is expected in early 2026. It could see changes in how police forces are organised across England and Wales.
It intends to set out further powers to improve standards while restoring local neighbourhood policing.