Following a meeting of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel Complaints Sub-Committee, on 19 May, Chairman of the Sub-Committee, Independent Co-opted Member Dave Stewart, said:

“Members of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel Complaints Sub-Committee met to consider three complaints received against the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The complaints related to the Commissioner’s recent activities supporting electoral candidates in this year’s local government elections.

“The sub-committee carefully reviewed the details of the complaints, and sought legal advice.

It was concluded that the Commissioner was acting in her capacity as Police and Crime Commissioner during the election activities in question, and while her actions are subject to the code of conduct that applies to that role, her support of these election campaigns did not use any public funds or resources and was not a breach of that code.

As a result, the committee agreed that no further action will be taken.”

Notes:

Hampshire’s Police and Crime Panel (PCP) is a statutory joint committee, responsible for scrutinising and supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. More about the Police and Crime Panel.

As part of its duties the panel is responsible for handling complaints about the conduct of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) or the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  More information about the procedures relating to complaints.