The work of the authority

Police authority members carry out their responsibilities through formal and informal meetings. Each formal committee meeting will cover a range of issues which are detailed in the terms of reference. A committee meeting can have more than ten associated papers each on different topics. Members need to read the papers either for information, to prepare themselves for discussion or to enable them to make a specific decision.

At these meetings members are able to scrutinise the work of the constabulary and where necessary challenge any decisions which have been made. It is their responsibility to act as a 'critical friend' to the constabulary to ensure it provides an efficient and effective policing service which takes into account the views of local communities. Find out more about the formal committee meetings which members attend by clicking on Meetings.

Members also represent the authority at partnership groups and boards across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, details of each member's portfolio can be found on the individual profiles.

Engagement with local communities also forms a large part of members' work. The views of members of the public served by Cambridgeshire Constabulary are needed to help set the policing budget and policing priorities detailed in the Local Policing Plan. Find out more on this aspect of work by visiting Public Involvement.

The work carried out by the authority is governed by a series of policies and procedures.