Warwickshire Police Authority

Warwickshire Police Authority was created by the Police and Magistrates Courts Act 1994 and came into existence on 1 April 1995. The statutory role of the Police Authority is contained in the Police Act 1996.

Warwickshire Police Authority has 17 members, nine councillors, three magistrates and five independent members. Their job is to work closely with the Chief Constable and his staff to make sure Warwickshire Police delivers an effective and efficient service and is publicly accountable.

Members work to:

• monitor the policing service
• agree the overall police budget and policing priorities
• issue an annual report and annual policing plan
• monitor complaints against the police
• seek the views of local people about the policing of their area.

The Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police Force has operational control for policing and is responsible for meeting the objectives and priorities set out in the annual policing plan, as well as those set by the Home Secretary in the National Policing Plan.

The Police Authority appoints the Chief, Deputy Chief and Assistant Chief Constables, and investigates complaints about the personal conduct of any of these senior officers. The Police Authority operates a Custody Visiting Scheme, which provides an independent check on people detained in police cells.