PCCs, roads policing and the dilemmas of increased democratic accountability

Wells

Abstract

In the era of the Police and Crime Commissioner, when the benefits of democratic accountability are placed centre stage, and the public are encouraged to believe that they should dictate the type of policing they receive, this article considers the prospects for one particular policing task that has, historically, enjoyed mixed levels of public support. Roads policing casts the (potential) voter in the position of (potential) offender, but also as (potential) victim. As such, it may be perceived as awkward territory for individuals seeking (re)election, who may be uncertain as to their electorate’s preferences. This article considers three examples of occasions where PCCs have had to confront the issue of roads policing, demonstrating the difficulties it poses for those mindful of their elected status.

Citation

Wells. (2015). PCCs, roads policing and the dilemmas of increased democratic accountability. The British Journal of Criminology: An International Review of Crime and Society, 274-292. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azv037

• Publication Date: May 20, 2015
• Journal: British Journal of Criminology: an international review of crime and society
• Print ISSN: 0007-0955
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Pages: 274-292
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azv037
• Keywords: Police and Crime Commissioners; democratic accountability; road safety; roads policing; speeding; law-abiding
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azv037