On 7 May 2024, the OPFCC was officially renamed the York and North Yorkshire Office for Policing, Fire, Crime and Commissioning and made part of the Combined Authority under the Mayor’s leadership.
Its communications infrastructure—website, email addresses, and phone number—remains unchanged, and the team continues to operate from Harrogate Police Station, ensuring continuity of services.
All statutory functions previously held by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) are now the responsibility of the York & North Yorkshire Mayor.
Decision-making related to police and fire services is now overseen by the Mayor and his Deputy for Policing, Fire and Crime.
Policing and fire priorities are now embedded within broader Mayoral Investment Fund allocations, aligning them more closely with regional priorities like transport and housing.
The Mayor has already endorsed increased neighbourhood policing and developed the first Fire and Rescue Plan covering the combined area
The transition was underpinned by formal guidance from the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), aimed at ensuring a legally sound, effective shift from commissioner-led to mayor-led governance.
Further information can be found on the website: York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority
Supporting Victims
The Supporting Victims service provides support for anyone affected by crime, whether reported or not, of any age, including children and young people (wherever possible with consent), bereaved relatives, parents or guardians of victims under 18, and those affected by business crime.
As part of new local arrangements and in line with the Victims Code of Practice, improved and expanded services are available. Particularly to victims of the most serious crimes, those who are vulnerable, repeat victims; and victims of a greater range of crimes will receive support than was previously supported.
As part of the Supporting Victims service the Commissioner has also developed a bespoke website, designed to meet the needs of North Yorkshire victims of crime.
The website can inform victims how to access support services in North Yorkshire via the Supporting Victims team as well as providing victims who want to support themselves with practical information, advice and guidance.
The website can be found at: http://www.supportingvictims.org/
