The announcement that Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) will be removed in 2028 has sparked debate, but one point is clear. If these roles are to go, the funding released must be directed towards areas where it can make a genuine difference to safety and public confidence.

The PCC model was introduced to strengthen accountability, yet awareness has always been low and questions around value for money have persisted. The government now believes the system has run its course, with responsibilities expected to transfer to elected mayors or council leaders. £20 million of the savings will be reinvested into policing. 

That opportunity should focus on giving officers the training, support and resources they need to respond effectively to the challenges they face every day. A growing concern across the country is the number of people coming into contact with the police while experiencing serious mental health difficulties. Conditions such as psychosis and dementia require specialist understanding, yet many officers are left to manage complex situations without adequate training or support. This can lead to delays in getting vulnerable people the help they need and risks worsening outcomes for everyone involved.

Investment in better mental health training, clearer referral pathways and closer working with health professionals would make a meaningful difference. It would help officers recognise when someone needs medical intervention rather than enforcement, reduce unnecessary arrests and ensure that people in crisis are treated safely and appropriately.

The funding gap could also be used to rebuild visible policing across major towns and cities. Communities are increasingly concerned about open drug use, antisocial behaviour and the sense that there simply aren’t enough officers on the streets. A stronger presence would not only deter crime but give the public reassurance that issues are being tackled head on.

With forces already stretched and gaps in staffing affecting both investigations and response times, every pound needs to count. Redirecting PCC spending into frontline capability would support officers, strengthen community safety and give vulnerable people the right support at the right time.

As the structure of oversight changes, accountability must remain strong. But the real measure of success will be whether these reforms lead to more responsive policing, better protection for those in crisis and safer communities for everyone.