Hi Bruce. Yes, there is a national oversight body that performs many of the same functions at significantly lower cost. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). HMICFRS is an independent, centrally funded inspectorate that assesses police forces against consistent national standards, holds chief constables to account for performance and leadership, and publishes detailed reports with recommendations that carry considerable weight. Unlike the 37 PCC offices, HMICFRS operates as a single national entity with a modest annual budget (approximately £30–35 million in recent years), far less than the combined running costs of the PCC system (estimated tens of millions annually, excluding elections). In contrast, PCCs are locally elected officials who set police priorities, budgets, and hold chief constables directly accountable. The government’s 2025 decision to abolish standalone PCCs and transfer functions to mayors or joint boards implicitly recognises that national inspection and oversight mechanisms can achieve similar (or superior) accountability without the expense and fragmentation of the elected commissioner model.
Fantastic dissection of procedural theatre. The Guildford case crystallizes the whole problem, £87 million for elections, £220k salary, and when accountability is finally needed the outcome is "acted with honour" and a pension-protected exit. Its like designing a system where the alarm only goes off after the burglar has left with your stuff. The Graeber framing is perfect here, the role provides visible legitimacy without actual enforcement power, which is worse than having no oversight at all because it creates ilusions of accountability.
Hi Bruce. Yes, there is a national oversight body that performs many of the same functions at significantly lower cost. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). HMICFRS is an independent, centrally funded inspectorate that assesses police forces against consistent national standards, holds chief constables to account for performance and leadership, and publishes detailed reports with recommendations that carry considerable weight. Unlike the 37 PCC offices, HMICFRS operates as a single national entity with a modest annual budget (approximately £30–35 million in recent years), far less than the combined running costs of the PCC system (estimated tens of millions annually, excluding elections). In contrast, PCCs are locally elected officials who set police priorities, budgets, and hold chief constables directly accountable. The government’s 2025 decision to abolish standalone PCCs and transfer functions to mayors or joint boards implicitly recognises that national inspection and oversight mechanisms can achieve similar (or superior) accountability without the expense and fragmentation of the elected commissioner model.
Fantastic dissection of procedural theatre. The Guildford case crystallizes the whole problem, £87 million for elections, £220k salary, and when accountability is finally needed the outcome is "acted with honour" and a pension-protected exit. Its like designing a system where the alarm only goes off after the burglar has left with your stuff. The Graeber framing is perfect here, the role provides visible legitimacy without actual enforcement power, which is worse than having no oversight at all because it creates ilusions of accountability.
exactly it...
Excellent analysis.
Is there not a national oversight body that can perform the same role, applying overall standards, at far less expense?