Home Office announces PCCs to swear oath of impartiality

The oath is designed to provide a platform for PCCs to set out publicly their commitment to tackling their new role with integrity. It will also echo the commitment police officers make to serve every member of the public impartially, while at the same time recognising the importance of the operational independence of the police service.

 

CUTTING CRIME

Police and crime commissioners will work to cut crime by setting priorities in line with the needs of local people and holding chief constables to account. They will bring local people closer to the police, building confidence in the system and restoring trust. Elections will take place on 15 November in 41 police force areas across England and Wales.

 

IMPARTIALITY

Nick Herbert, Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, said: 'Police and Crime Commissioners will be important public servants and it is right that they make a formal public commitment to the communities they will serve.

'Although police and crime commissioners may stand for a political party, the public will expect them to represent all the people in their area impartially, without fear or favour.

'The swearing of an oath will be an important symbol of this impartiality, emphasising both the significance of this new role in local communities and that commissioners are there to serve the people, not a political party or any one section of their electorate.

'An oath will also underline the particular importance of even-handedness in an office which holds to account the local chief constable and police force who themselves are bound to serve impartially.'

The full oath:Full Name of Place do solemnly and sincerely promise that I will serve all the people of Police Force Area in the office of Police and Crime Commissioner without fear or favour. I will act with integrity and diligence in my role and, to the best of my ability, will execute the duties of my office to ensure that the police are able to cut crime and protect the public. I will give a voice to the public, especially victims of crime and work with other services to ensure the safety of the community and effective criminal justice. I will take all steps within my power to ensure transparency of my decisions, so that I may be properly held to account by the public. I will not seek to influence or prevent any lawful and reasonable investigation or arrest, nor encourage any police action save that which is lawful and justified within the bounds of this office.