The Police and Crime Panel has a number of powers and responsibilities, including:

• Scrutinising the actions and decisions of the Police and Crime Commissioner
• Reviewing the draft Police and Crime Plan to ensure local priorities have been considered
• Scrutinising and commenting upon the Annual Report of the PCC
• Reviewing and reporting on the precept proposed by the PCC. The Panel has the right to veto the Commissioner’s proposed policing precept (the money collected from Council Tax for policing)
• Holding confirmation hearings for the proposed appointment of a Chief Constable and senior support staff