HMIC releases report on "Preparing for Police and Crime Commissioners"

The HMIC review, called "Preparing for Police and Crime Commissioners" was carried out between April and June 2012. The review looked at different aspects of the work of each Authority including:

• whether the Police Authority was carrying out business as usual up until the elections
• whether the Police Authority has planned to manage the transition to PCC
• whether arrangements were in place to ensure a seamless handover
• whether stakeholders are involved in the transition process.

Inspectors found that Gwent Police Authority had prepared well across the board and had comprehensive plans in place.

Chair of the Authority Cilla Davies commented: "I welcome the recognition by the HMIC of the preparations Gwent Police Authority has made ahead of the Police and Crime Commissioner elections. While this has been a challenging time for the Authority and Gwent Police, we will continue to work hard to ensure the smooth transfer of governance of policing in Gwent and all the while ensuring that it has no detrimental effect on the day to day business of the Authority. We have worked closely with local partners and colleagues across Wales to ensure that governance arrangements have been maintained and transition processes are as comprehensive as they can possibly be: careful, challenging and supportive governance is vital and this will continue until the Commissioner takes over.

"It is essential the PCC inherits a well run and professional organisation with a balanced budget and above all a strong and positive legacy that reflects the on going excellent work of the Police Authority members and staff."