The first meeting between the newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Anthony Stansfeld, and the Police and Crime Panel takes place on Thursday at The Gateway in Aylesbury.
The panel is made up of one councillor from each authority in the Thames Valley police area along with two co-opted members.
The meeting, which begins at 11:00am and is open to the public, will scrutinise the performance of the Police and Crime Commissioner, support his work and challenge decisions on behalf of local residents.
Thursday’s meeting will be the first opportunity the panel has had since the election in November to question the commissioner on his proposed policies and targets.
The commissioner will meet the panel frequently to discuss matters such as senior appointments, the part of the council tax that pays for policing and the local police and crime plan.
The panel will focus its attention throughout the year on important strategic issues, ensuring the commissioner has achieved the aims set out in his police and crime plan and annual report, considered the priorities of community safety partners, consulted appropriately with the public and victims of crime.
The panel will make sure information on its work is available to the public, but does not directly replace the former police authority as they do not have a role in scrutinising the performance of the force, which is one of the main jobs of the commissioner.
Trevor Egleton, Chairman of the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel, said: “One of our most important roles is to scrutinise the commissioner on important decisions affecting communities across the area. We will challenge him, but I want this to be a positive relationship where the panel adds value to the commissioner role, securing the best results for the people we serve.”
For more information about the work and responsibilities of the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel, and to view membership, visit www.thamesvalleypcp.org.uk