Sir Hugh Orde, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, has called on Home Secretary Theresa May to review the powers of police and crime commissioners (PCCs) to remove chief constables. He described the current arrangement as lacking scrutiny and branded it "the worst system you can possibly have."
Sir Hugh highlighted several recent controversies, including the effective forced retirement of Gwent Chief Constable Carmel Napier by PCC Ian Johnston, the suspension of Lincolnshire Chief Constable Neil Rhodes by PCC Alan Hardwick (later overturned by a judge), and a High Court dispute between Avon and Somerset PCC Sue Mountstevens and former Chief Constable Colin Port.
Under current legislation, a PCC's decision to dismiss a chief constable must be referred to a local Police and Crime Panel, which can request a report from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary but has no veto power. Sir Hugh argued that this removes all checks and balances, risking the operational independence of chief constables who must make unpopular decisions without fear of losing their jobs.
Labour's shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, echoed concerns, urging May to listen to warnings from Parliament, the police, and the public to protect operational independence. Gwent PCC Ian Johnston defended his actions, stating he followed the law and sought top legal advice.
The Home Office defended PCCs, stating they have given the electorate a "real say" over policing and contributed to falling crime rates. However, it declined to comment on whether May would meet Sir Hugh to discuss his concerns.
