North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin dey among four Welsh PCCs wey MPs go question next month about government plan to abolish elected police commissioners by May 2028.
The Welsh Affairs Committee don announce session for 8 July where all four Wales Police and Crime Commissioners go give evidence on proposed reforms wey dey inside UK Government Police Reform Bill.
PCCs dey scheduled to be scrapped at end of their current electoral terms for May 2028, with their powers transferred to other local leadership bodies.
For England, those responsibilities go pass to elected regional mayors or council leaders. But no equivalent arrangement don identify for Wales, leaving future of police accountability for the country unresolved.
The White Paper wey publish for January also set out plans to merge some of England and Wales 43 territorial police forces, though again no clarity on wetin this go mean for Wales four forces.
Mr Dunbobbin, wey come from Connah Quay and wey dem re-elect as North Wales PCC for May 2024, dey serve four-year term wey run until May 2028, same point wey the role dey schedule to abolish.
Ruth Jones MP, Chair of Welsh Affairs Committee, say: “Next month session na important opportunity to delve into wetin UK Government proposed reforms fit mean for policing for Wales. If PCCs dey to abolish, e dey essential say any new arrangements ensure police forces for Wales remain clearly accountable to public and say communities continue to get strong voice for shaping policing priorities.”
She add: “We also want to explore views on optimal number of forces for Wales and importance of striking balance between efficiency and preserving strong understanding of local needs.”
The committee say e also expect to discuss violence against women and girls, use of facial recognition technology by some forces, and whether policing should dey devolve to Welsh Government.
Ahead of session, the committee dey invite written submissions from academic and policy experts.
The Welsh Affairs Committee na cross-party committee of MPs responsible for scrutinising UK Government policies wey affect Wales.
