To maintain an overview of and monitor policies, practices and performance of the Constabulary in relation to: Recruitment and Retention, Development and Training, Health, Safety and Welfare, Diversity
To determine any matter relating to the functions of the Authority as the responsible 'person' under Health and Safety legislation.
To consider appeal against dismissal lodged by a member of the Police Staff.
To satisfy the Police Authority's statutory duties and enhance public confidence in relation to the complaints and discipline process and professional standards within the Constabulary. This will involve the oversight of all matters (complaints and discipline) relating to professional standards of all ranks of officer (including Specials) and police staff (including any directly appointed members of staff of the Police Authority), and will include, where appropriate, the appeals processes associated with pensions regulations, and any other quasi-judicial decision (e.g. pension forfeiture).
In relation to officers of Superintending rank and below, to monitor the working of the complaints and disciplinary procedures, including the "local resolution" procedures.
To carry out the Authority's responsibilities under Section 77 of the Police Act 1996, to keep itself informed as to the manner in which complaints from Members of the public against Members of the Constabulary are dealt with by the Chief Constable to include as appropriate the inspection of individual files when completed.
To monitor how complaints about the direction and control of the Constabulary are dealt with.
To record and consider complaints against chief officers.
To refer the case to the Independent Police Complaint Commission (IPCC) where serious misconduct is alleged.
To consider any Ombudsman or other complaint organisation report, specific or general, which touches on the Authority or Constabulary, as directed by the Chairman of the Authority, or Committee or the Chief Executive, or Treasurer.
a) The consideration of specific complaints about the Police Authority (or any of its officers) in cases where the complainant has not been satisfied by the response of the Chief Executive and Clerk to the Police Authority.
b) The consideration of any specific hearing or appeal required to be heard and determined by the Police Authority in relation to grievance, complaint or discipline of Authority Staff (but not those retained by a Service Level Agreement).
To appoint Panels of Custody Visitors whose role it is to visit designated Police Stations and check on the condition and treatment of detainees, including the re-appointment of Panels on a regular three year basis and the appointment of individual Custody Visitors to vacancies from time to time;
To approve arrangements for Custody Visitors' training days;
To monitor the Custody Visiting Scheme by:
At each meeting inspecting reports of Custody Visitors arising from their visits to Police Stations;
Considering specific issues brought to the attention of the Authority by the Custody Visitors Panels or the Chief Executive to the Police Authority;
Approving an annual report on the Custody Visiting Scheme.
