HC Deb 12 November 1997 vol 300 cc559-60W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what means the efficiency of chief constables is measured. [15008]

Mr. Michael

The efficiency of a chief constable, and the means by which it is measured, is a matter for the local police authority.

Police authorities have an obligation under the Police Act 1996 to issue a local policing plan before the start of a financial year, setting out the proposed arrangements for the policing of the authority's area. This plan is produced in conjunction with the chief constable and takes into account objectives determined by the Home Secretary and any objectives and performance targets determined by the police authority.

As soon as possible after the end of the financial year, the authority is required to issue a further report, including, an assessment of the extent to which the local policing plan for that year has been carried out.

At a national level, Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary advise the Secretary of State on the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces.

Back to