What we do
The Authority …
...Sets the Budget
The budget is set annually in February for the coming year commencing 1 April. About a third of the budget is raised through local council tax with just over £2 million coming from local partners to support specific aspects of policing. The remainder of the budget comes from Government grants that is funded by national taxation. The amount levied by the Police Authority is detailed in your annual council tax bill.
...Sets Policing Priorities and Targets
Policing priorities and targets are set in the Strategic Policing Plan. In devising the plan the Authority takes account of feedback from consultation, as well as the priorities set by the Home Secretary.
The Strategic Policing Plan is published before the end of March and covers a three year period that is updated annually.
...Measures and reports on Performance
Using detailed performance data, the Authority continually scrutinises how the Constabulary is performing against its targets and relative to the performance of other forces.
Feedback from local consultation groups, from public meetings and from surveys, such as the British Crime Survey, is also used to gauge satisfaction with police services.
In addition to the Strategic Policing Plan targets, national Statutory Performance Indicators (SPIs) and Public Service Agreements are used as indicators of performance. External monitoring is also carried out by the Audit Commission, and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.
The Authority publishes an Annual Report on the performance of the police against targets.
...Appoints Senior Police Officers
The Authority appoints and, if necessary disciplines and dismisses the Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable and Assistant Chief Constable.
...Works in Partnership
The Authority shares with the Constabulary and county, district and borough councils the legal responsibility for local crime and disorder.
That shared responsibility includes the need to carry out regular crime audits and to produce three year Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategies.
...Scrutinises and agrees collaboration with other Police Authorities
The Authority is responsible for agreeing all formal collaborations with other forces. Our current collaborations include a number of operational areas such as major crime, firearms and dogs with Bedfordshire. We also have joint fleet and helicopter collaborations with Thames Valley and Bedfordshire. If you would like more details about our collaborative please contact the Police Authority office.
...Owns and Manages Police Property
The Authority is the legal owner of all police properties.
...Consults with the Public
Finding out what people think of their police services is one of the Authority’s key responsibilities. Knowing what services are important to people and how well they are being delivered is fundamental to every other aspect of Authority and Constabulary work.
...Manages Independent Custody Visitors
The Authority appoints, trains and manages Independent Custody Visitors, who work on its behalf to monitor the welfare of people detained in police cells. Custody Visitors call, unannounced, and talk in confidence to prisoners. Problems, comments and complaints are reported directly to the Authority.
...Manages complaints against Chief Officers
The Authroity manages any complaint against a chief officer of the Constabulary.
...Monitors the Complaints Process
The Authority ensures that the Constabulary effectively handles complaints. Members of the Authority undertake regular checks of complaint files seeking to identify any strategic trends and issues.
...Convenes Police Appeal Tribunals
Police Appeal Tribunals are convened by the Authority and provide officers up to the rank of Superintendent with the right of appeal on a serious disciplinary matter.