Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel

The Police and Crime Panel is responsible for supporting and scrutinising the Police and Crime Commissioner.

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