The panel does not have a role in scrutinising the performance of the force (that's the role of the commissioner).
The panel focuses its attention on the strategic actions and decisions made by the commissioner including whether they've:
- achieved the aims set out in their police and crime plan and annual report
- considered the priorities of community safety partners
- consulted appropriately with the public and victims
Panel powers
The panel has a range of powers and responsibilities relating to the police and crime plan and annual report. These include:
- making reports and recommendations on these documents which the commissioner must take account of and respond to
- publishing all reports and recommendations that it makes
- holding public meetings to discuss the annual report and question the commissioner
The panel also makes reports or recommendations (including vetoing with a two-thirds majority) on proposals by the commissioner on:
- the level of the precept (council tax charge for the police)
- appointing a chief constable
Other specific powers held by the police and crime panel include:
- asking for a professional view from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary if the commissioner is planning to dismiss the chief constable
- appointing an acting commissioner if the elected one can't carry out their role (for health reasons or following resignation or disqualification)
- holding confirmation hearings for important staff (deputy police and crime commissioner, chief executive, chief finance officer) - the panel won't be able to refuse appointments but can make recommendations to the commissioner
- monitoring complaints against the commissioner and dealing with non-criminal complaints
- requiring the commissioner (and their staff) to attend panel meetings to answer questions
- asking the chief constable to attend meetings
- making reports and recommendations on any action or decision of the commissioner
Who is on the panel
Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Panel is made up of 17 councillors (one from each of the 10 local authorities in the police force area together with 7 co-opted councillors to achieve a balanced panel) and 2 independent members.
- Amber Valley Borough Council - Councillor Fay Atkinson
- Bolsover District Council - Councillor Sandra Peake
- Chesterfield Borough Council - Councillor Dean Collins
- Chesterfield Borough Council - Councillor Paul Niblock
- Chesterfield Borough Council - Councillor Mick Bagshaw
- Derby City Council - Councillor Ged Potter
- Derby City Council - Councillor Paul Pegg
- Derby City Council - Councillor Jonathan Smale
- Derbyshire County Council - Councillor Carol Hart
- Derbyshire County Council – Councillor Becki Woods
- Derbyshire Dales District Council - Councillor Richard Bright
- Erewash Borough Council - Councillor Val Clare
- Erewash Borough Council - Councillor Robert Mee
- Erewash Borough Council - Councillor John Frudd
- High Peak Borough Council - Councillor Alan Barrow
- North East Derbyshire District Council - Councillor Maureen Potts
- South Derbyshire District Council - Councillor Julie Patten
- independent co-optee - Vicky Newbury
- independent co-optee – Stephen Handsley