policing: control & accountability

(post-session reading)

The Police Act 1964

• responsibility for policing was shared by; local gov, central gov, & chief constables, but the separation of responsibilities was unclear

• the act delegated these responsibilities to police committees
  2/3 councillors, 1/3 magistrates
  role: ‘secure the maintenance of an adequate & efficient police force for the area’ & oversee how complaints against officers were dealt with by the chief constable
  powers: appointment & dismissal of senior officers, provision & maintenance of premises, vehicles, clothing, equipment

• local council - approve the police forces budget

the policing of london

• police authority was the home secretary until the Greater London Authority Act 1999 - established the Greater London Assembly & an independent Metropolitan Police Authority
  consists of 23 people (12 assembly members, 7 independents, 4 magistrates)
  similar role to police authorities elsewhere in England & Wales

the chief constable

• act put each force under the control of its chief officer

• main responsibility - enforce the law & maintain the queens peace

• now have a number of day-to-day responsibilities - appointment & dismissal of officers up to the rank of superintendent & a requirement to investigate all complaints made against any junior officers

central gov