Request Received: 2 February 2024
Responded: 27 February 2024
Q: What are the reasons for the CPN being withdrawn and how was this decision reached?
A: This information is not held.
Q: Who was responsible for making this decision and who has signed the protocol?
A: Neither the Police and Crime Commissioner or any OPCC staff have been involved in this matter. This information is not held.
Q: What part did Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe play in this process?
A: The Police and Crime Commissioner has not been involved in this process.
Q: How have the police ensured there is no conflict of interest with Philip Seccombe who has openly admitted he is a member of the Countryside Alliance?
A: For clarity, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and Warwickshire police are two separate and independent organisations. The Police and Crime commissioner (PCC) is a directly elected representative of the communities of Warwickshire, whereas legislation protects the independence of Warwickshire Police, which is under the direction and control of its Chief Constable.
Whilst a key aspect of the role of the PCC includes funding Warwickshire Police and holding the Chief Constable to account, legislation protects the operational independence of the force by making it clear that the Chief Constable retains direction and control of its officers and staff. Consequently, at all times the PCC must refrain from interfering with that independence to ensure that the operations of the police will not be politicised and decisions about responding to incidents, making arrests and carrying out investigations, do not become political ones. For this reason, the OPCC have had no involvement with the removal of the CPN. The PCC has had no part in either the serving of the CPN, or it’s removal, and no part in any negotiations or drawing up of the Protocol.
Q: Were representatives from the Countryside Alliance in attendance at any of the meetings (including Philip Seccombe)?
A: This information is not held, although I can confirm that the Police and Crime Commissioner or representatives from the OPCC have not attended any meetings.
Q: When will the protocol be made public and where can it be accessed?
A: This information is not held.
Q: What are the reasons for the protocol not being made public?
A: This information is not held.
Q: Were the rural crime team party to the decision to withdraw the CPN and have they signed off on the Protocol?
A: This information is not held.
Q: Who will be policing the protocol and how will you ensure that the requirements are being met?
A: The force remain responsible for the protocol.
Q: What are the ramifications if/when the requirements are breached?
A: This information is not held.
