The primary purpose of the Authority is to oversee and scrutinise the Force and to forge a joint strategic direction with the Force. A crucial part of this role is consulting the community and stakeholders to assist in setting local policing priorities in the Local Policing Plan. The Authority then monitors performance against these priorities and holds the Chief Constable to account for the exercise of his functions and those of persons under his direction and control.
The Authority is responsible for agreeing the police budgets and setting of the police element of your council tax. The Authority then monitors progress against budgets, including the implementation of efficiency plans.
The Police Authority appoints the Chief Constable and executive officers. However, the responsibility for operational activities and the day-to-day management of Cleveland Police rests with the Chief Constable.
The Authority has 17 members:
- nine local councillors
- eight independent members, of which at least one is a lay justice
Appointments to the Authority are generally for four years duration. Members provide a democratic link between the public and the police. The mix of people from local government, business and community backgrounds provides a wide range of skills and experience which all contribute to the work of the Authority.
For more information about Cleveland Police Authority, you can visit their website at http://www.clevelandpa.org.uk/
