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. It is accountable to Ministers and Parliament and it is supported by a senior officer and small staff team to help it perform its role. Its functions are:
- Allocate resources
- Hold Chief Constable to account for all her functions, including operational policing
- Appoint senior officers and staff
- Require information and reports from the Chief Constable if necessary - though Chief can appeal to Ministers if of the view it might prejudice an operation or the prosecution of offenders
- Prepare and publish Strategic Plan and Annual Plan - setting out objectives and arrangements for achieving those objectives
- Prepare and publish Annual Report – assessment of progress against objectives
- Establish and maintain forensic services – separate from Chief Constable’s direct line of command
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.
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, as the first Chief Constable of Police Scotland.
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