The Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner is the bridge between Essex Police and Essex County Fire & Rescue Service and the Public. Key responsibilities are:

Appointing, and if need be dismissing, the Chief Constable and the Chief Fire Officer.

Setting the strategy for the Police and Fire & Rescue Services in consultation with the chief officers and the public.

Setting the budget for the services, currently £480m combined, and setting the council tax precept to fund them. 

Holding the services to account, via the chief officers, for their performance of their duties to the public.

Both the Chief Constable and the Chief Fire Officer in Essex have complete operational independence as enshrined in statute and in our constitution.