Scottish Police Authority

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 January 17, 2012.^[3] After scrutiny and debate by the Scottish Parliament, the legislation was approved on June 27, 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 August 31, 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 September 26, 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

• Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland

References