MOD Police (Hansard, 22 November 2001)

§ Mr. Kidney
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what statutory powers govern the operation of the Ministry of Defence Police Service's Police Committee. [16830]

§ Dr. Moonie
The Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987 provides the statutory basis for the Ministry of Defence Police Committee.

§ Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to ensure that the MOD police receive training in dealing with members of the public. [17077]

§ Dr. Moonie
The Ministry of Defence police undertake the same basic recruitment and continuation training as their Home Department police colleagues.

§ Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is(a) the establishment and (b) the current strength of the MOD police. [17080]

§ Dr. Moonie
On 31 October 2001 the total authorised complement of the Ministry of Defence police was 3,437 and the strength 3,354, including 63 officers currently serving overseas.

§ Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what mechanisms exist for measuring the efficiency and performance of the MOD police. [17078]

§ Dr. Moonie
The Ministry of Defence police (MDP) is subject to efficiency and performance targets set by MOD. As with all next steps agencies, the MDP are set annual key targets which are published in the House of CommonsOfficial Report. The chief constable's accounts are audited by the National Audit Office and published in his annual report which is laid before Parliament. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary undertakes periodic inspections of the MDP. The MOD Police Committee, during its quarterly meetings, review aspects of MDP performance.