News / police and crime commissioner
Avon and Somerset crime commissioner speaks out as role is abolished
Bristol’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) said her mission to work with communities to prevent crime and harm “remains the same” in the wake of the news that her role is being scrapped.
Clare Moody, the elected commissioner within the area covered by Avon & Somerset Constabulary, will remain in her post until her term ends in 2028 and has promised that her work will “continue as normal” during this time.
Moody was elected to the four-year term in May 2024 as the Labour candidate, with a turnout at the election of 23.09 per cent.
The elected officials were first introduced in 2012 and their responsibilities include setting budgets for their police forces and appointing the most senior officer – the chief constable – for their respective areas.
The policing minister Sarah Jones described the system as a “failed experiment” and stated that when the terms of England and Wales’ 37 commissioners end, their responsibilities will be transferred to elected mayors or council leaders.
Clare Moody pledged to be “visible” and “accountable” when she took office in May 2024 – photo: John Wimperis
Before becoming PCC, Moody had a career spanning several sectors, including serving as a member of European Parliament for South West England from 2014 to 2019.
In a statement addressing the decision, Moody said: “It is important to stress that this is not an immediate change.
“The current system remains in place until 2028, and all the important work underway, including commissioning vital support services, scrutinising police performance and building safer communities, continues as normal.
“I want to reassure partners, community groups and residents that current commissioning, funding and scrutiny work will continue.
“The relationships and partnerships built across our communities remain central and will be maintained throughout any transition.
“This will not be a rushed process. It will be carefully planned, and more details will be shared as they become available.
“Above all, my focus remains the same – working with the police to keep people safe, supporting victims and working with partners and communities to prevent crime and harm.
“I will continue to deliver on that mission with the same commitment, openness and collaboration that underpin everything I do.”
Main photo: Karen Johnson
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
