Police and Crime Commissioners were introduced by the Government to bring direct democratic accountability locally to policing in England and Wales.

The Commissioner is a local figure with a powerful mandate directly from the public, and will actively drive the fight against crime and anti social behaviour in Hertfordshire.

Police and Crime Commissioners have a much broader and more direct remit than the unelected Police Authorities they replaced: including community safety, the prevention of crime, tackling drugs, and many other things.

The Commissioner sets the priorities for the police in Hertfordshire, and agrees the annual budget and Council Tax Precept. He or she  also has powers to hire or fire the Chief Constable and holds them to account for delivery of the Police and Crime Plan.

This carries the huge responsibility of listening to local people and translating their concerns into action, in effect making the police priorities the people's priorities.

The Commissioner exercises proper governance and oversight of policing and has good working relationship with the local police across Hertfordshire.

David Lloyd is confident that all this will be done in a cost effective way which will produce substantial savings on the current budget and will improve performance in all parts of the area.

For further information about the HERTFORDSHIRE COMMISSIONER please visit the Commissioner website.