Scottish Police Authority
 | |
| Abbreviation | SPA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1 April 2013 |
| Type | Scottish Police Authority |
| Legal status | Active |
Region served | Scotland |
Convener | Vic Emery |
Parent organization | Scottish Government |
| Website | www.spa.police.uk |
The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) is a public body of the Scottish Government which holds Police Scotland, the national police service, to account. Both bodies were established on 1 April 2013[1] following an announcement on 8 September 2011 in which the Scottish Government confirmed a single police service would be created to replace the existing eight forces, the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Scottish Police Services Authority.[2]
After a further consultation on the detailed operation of the police service, the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill was published on 17 January 2012.[3] After scrutiny and debate by the Scottish Parliament, the legislation was approved on 27 June 2012.[4] It received Royal Assent in August.
One of the key provisions of the legislation includes clear responsibilities for the Chief Constable and, to ensure continued separation from Ministers, a new Scottish Police Authority with 11 to 15 members and a clear and strong remit to effectively hold the Chief Constable to account.
The Scottish Police Authority is responsible for maintaining the Police Service and holding the Chief Constable to account. Its functions are:
- Accountable to Ministers and Parliament.
- Allocates resources.
- Holds Chief Constable to account for all her functions, including operational policing
- Appointment of senior officers and staff.
- Can require information and reports from the Chief Constable, though Chief can appeal to Ministers if of the view it might prejudice an operation or the prosecution of offenders.
- Prepares and publishes Strategic Plan and Annual Plan setting out objectives and arrangements for achieving those objectives.
- Prepares and publishes Annual Report – assessment of progress against objectives
- Establishment and maintenance of forensic services – separate from Chief Constable’s direct line of command.
- Supported by a senior officer and small staff team to help it perform its role.
On 31 August 2012, the Scottish Government confirmed[5] Vic Emery OBE, the current Convener of the Scottish Police Services Authority, as Chair of the SPA. He said: "I believe in policing and in the contribution it makes to the safety, security and economy of our country. That’s part of what drives me to take on this big responsibility. As a businessman, I also believe structures and organisations should be simple, straightforward and accountable – for customers and for those working in them. That’s why a single, united Scottish police service has always made sense to me."
Mr Emery Chaired the panel to appoint the Chief Constable. On 26 September 2012,[6] he confirmed the appointment of Stephen House, Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police. Mr Emery said: "I am delighted to welcome Stephen House as the first Chief Constable of Police Scotland. He will bring a wealth of experience and authority to the role. It will be the Authority’s role to be a national voice on policing so that we make the right national choices. We will ensure the Police Service of Scotland retains a powerful focus on the needs of the people we serve and that’s a fundamental principle that I know Mr House shares."
See also
References
- ↑ Scottish Government news release 21 February 2012 - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/02/policeandfireheadquarters
- ↑ Scottish Government news release 8 September 2011 - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/09/08142643
- ↑ Scottish Government news release 17 January 2012 - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/Police-Fire17012012
- ↑ Scottish Government news release 27 June 2012 - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/06/policeandfirereformstage327062012
- ↑ Scottish Government news release 31 August 2012 - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/08/spa31082012
- ↑ Scottish Police Authority news release, 26 September 2012