§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about his proposal for a police standards unit; and what powers the unit will have to issue directions to police forces about operational matters. [154]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Standards Unit will drive up performance and ensure that best practice is applied throughout England and Wales. It will draw on the work of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and engage directly with police at the local level. Plans for the Unit are being worked up as a priority. Operational matters will remain the responsibility of Chief Officers.