Take photo ID and GO VOTE for the next Police and Crime Commissioner

You are now able to vote until 10pm tonight to decide who will be the next Police and Crime Commissioner.

Four candidates have put themselves forward to become the our next PCC. Read their Q&A’s here: Andy Dunbobbin – Labour and Co-operative Party, Ann Griffith – Plaid Cymru, Brian Jones – Welsh Conservative Party , Richard Marbrow – Welsh Liberal Democrats.

The normal 88 polling station locations are open – you can check this PDF list to check where yours is.

This election is notable as it is the first time photo ID will be required for those wishing to vote in person. You can still use your photo ID if it’s out of date, as long as it looks like you. You can check the list of whats accepted as photo ID here.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is an elected official responsible for overseeing policing in a specific police force area – for us, North Wales Police. The role of a PCC was established under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

PCCs are elected by the public and have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Setting the strategic priorities for the police force in their area.
• Holding the Chief Constable (the head of the police force) to account for the delivery of policing services.
• Setting the police budget and ensuring that resources are used effectively.
• Engaging with the community to understand their policing needs and concerns.
• Working with other agencies, such as local councils and community groups, to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.

The introduction of PCCs was aimed to increase accountability and transparency in policing by giving the public a direct say in how their local police force is run – you have a big part of that say today by voting.

In theory the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner plays a crucial role in representing the interests of the public, ensuring accountability in policing, and working to make North Wales a safer and more secure place for its residents and visitors.

The results will come tomorrow morning with the count due to start at 9am. As the election covers six council areas, it could take a little while for the administration to take place, but the result is expected some time before lunchtime.

Check Wrexham.com for the result coverage in the morning!