PCC's (known as the Police, Crime and Victims' Commissioner (PCVC) in Durham) were introduced by the Government through the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act (2011), with the remit of cutting crime, delivering an effective and efficient police service, being the voice of the people and holding the police to account. They are not exected to run the police.
The first PCC (or PCVC) for the Durham Police Area was elected in 2012.
Further information on the PCC