Meet your Deputy PCC

John Smith was appointed as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (Deputy PCC) in April 2020 to support the PCC during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

John describes his role as Deputy PCC:

“I will work closely with the PCC and her team, the Chief Constable and his team and other key partners to make sure that local residents get the best possible police and crime services at this unprecedented time.”

Key responsibilities

Supporting the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and partners in the criminal justice system to ensure they are always working towards delivering excellent victim support, better policing and fairer criminal justice services for all.
Working with the police and other partners to redesign police and crime services in the “new normal” as communities gradually emerge from the virus restrictions.
Leading local work to reduce reoffending with probation, prison services, local authorities and charities to provide support to offenders to reduce reoffending rates.
Reducing serious violence and knife crime, especially amongst young people, by working with the five Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) that have been set up across the area.

Biography

John was a Partner and Projects Lawyer at Burges Salmon from 2000 to 2009.
He joined the Avon and Somerset Police Authority as Chief Executive in 2009.
In 2012, when PCCs were introduced, he led the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for 8 years, delivering improvements for local people.

Key achievements

Some of the key areas of work John has been involved in during his time in the OPCC include:

Setting up the Avon and Somerset Reducing Reoffending Board and working with partners to reduce reoffending.
Supporting the creation of a cross area child sexual exploitation victim identification and support service.
Leading national discussions for Police and Crime plans and helping to develop national guidance.
Overseeing the implementation of five multi-agency Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) across the area
Overseeing the establishment of the Independent Resident’s Panel and Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel

Personal life and achievements

John lives with his wife, three children and a small, mischievous dog called Evie. He is passionate about football and he holds a Bristol City season ticket. He also enjoys coaching his sons under 14’s football team.

Meeting your Deputy PCC

The Deputy PCC will always try and make themselves available to those that need to speak with them. You can meet your Deputy PCC at public forums and drop-in sessions which are held regularly across the force area. Find out more about when the Deputy PCC is in your area next.

Connect with John on LinkedIn.