The Police and Crime Panel, comprising councillors from Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council, along with independent members, scrutinises the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Its responsibilities include reviewing the draft Police and Crime Plan and the PCC's Annual Report. The panel also scrutinises the PCC's decisions and actions, reviews their conduct, and has the power to veto proposed precept levels. It further reviews and confirms the PCC's proposed appointments for key senior roles, including the Chief Constable and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.