PCCs, roads policing and the dilemmas of increased democratic accountability

Wells

doi:10.1093/bjc/azv037

PCCs, roads policing and the dilemmas of increased democratic accountability

Wells

Authors

Helen Wells h.m.wells@keele.ac.uk

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.

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