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Policing and crime in West Yorkshire

The Mayor of West Yorkshire holds the police and crime commissioner role for our region. The Mayor sets policing priorities, publishes the Police and Crime Plan and holds the Chief Constable to account. The Mayor does not run the police day to day, but makes sure the force serves local people well.

The Mayor of West Yorkshire holds the police and crime commissioner role for our region. This means the Mayor sets local policing priorities, publishes the Police and Crime Plan and holds the Chief Constable to account.

The Mayor does not control the police day to day. Instead, the Mayor speaks up for local people and makes sure the force listens to communities and serves them well. On this page you can read about the Mayor's responsibilities, the Police and Crime Plan and the work the Combined Authority does to keep West Yorkshire safe.

Safe. Just. Inclusive. This is the vision for West Yorkshire in the Police and Crime Plan 2024 – 2028.

Chief Constable Deputy Mayor PC and Mayor

The Mayor’s Policing and Crime responsibilities

The Mayor of West Yorkshire has key roles in policing and crime. These include ensuring the police force operates effectively and holding the Chief Constable to account.

The Mayor creates the Police and Crime Plan. This plan outlines the main goals for policing and community safety. The Mayor also issues an annual report covering progress as well as regular meeting with the Police and Crime Panel.

The Mayor calculates the council tax or budget requirement and maintains the Police Fund. Furthermore, the Mayor is also responsible for appointing, and where necessary, suspending or calling on a Chief Constable to retire or resign.

Some responsibilities can be given to the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, which you can read about further down this page.

The Mayor uses feedback from the public to help shape the Police and Crime Plan. This ensures the plan reflects local priorities and strengthens community confidence across West Yorkshire.

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime

Alison Lowe is the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, working with the Mayor of West Yorkshire to make sure policing meets the needs of local people

Police and Crime Plan

West Yorkshire’s latest Police and Crime Plan. Mayor Tracy Brabin and Deputy Mayor Alison Lowe outline priorities for tackling serious violence, supporting victims, and building safe, just, inclusive communities.

Keeping people safe

Your safety is our top priority. At West Yorkshire Combined Authority, we’re striving for a future where everyone in our region feels safe.

Communities

Explore how West Yorkshire Combined Authority is working for safer, stronger and better-connected communities.

Partnership working

Working with others helps us keep our communities safe and fulfil the Mayor’s promises.

Support for victims and witnesses

This page lists the available services in West Yorkshire and your area.

Commissioning

We commission a number of different providers to help with the delivery of our services and achieve the priorities and outcomes of our Police and Crime Plan. This benefits the communities of West Yorkshire by aiming to reduce crime and support victims.

Policing and Crime transparency

The Mayor and the Combined Authority are committed to transparency, ensuring open governance in all aspects of policing and crime.

Policing and Crime complaints and conduct

More information on our policing and crime complaints and conduct including how to make a complaint and request a right to review.

Three police officers speaking together and smiling in Leeds bus station

Frequently asked questions

What is a police and crime commissioner?

Who is the police and crime commissioner for West Yorkshire?

How are police and crime commissioners elected?

Does the Mayor run the police in West Yorkshire?

What is the Police and Crime Plan?

What does the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime do?

How can I make my voice heard on policing matters?

Events, news and resources

Find our latest events, news and resources on policing, crime prevention, and community safety in West Yorkshire.

About us

Serving 2.4 million people, we partner with Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield local authorities to improve transport, the economy, housing, public safety and more.

The Mayor

In May 2024, Tracy Brabin was re-elected as the Mayor of West Yorkshire. Building on her first term success, the Mayor has role-specific powers that focus on transport, housing, regeneration, finance and policing.