Policing and Crime Act 2017

• Citation: 2017 c. 3
• Sections: 761

Section 1 Collaboration agreements

(1) A collaboration agreement may be made by—

(a) one or more persons within a paragraph of subsection (2), and

(b) one or more persons within another paragraph of that subsection.

(2) Those persons are—

(a) an ambulance trust in England,

(b) a fire and rescue body in England, and

(c) a police body in England.

(3) A collaboration agreement is an agreement in writing that sets out how the parties to the agreement will work together in discharging their functions.

(4) Subsection (1) does not prevent a person other than a person listed in subsection (2) from being a party to a collaboration agreement.

(5) This section is subject to section 3 (collaboration agreements: specific restrictions).

(6) Section 4 makes further provision about collaboration agreements.

Section 2 Duties in relation to collaboration agreements

(1) A relevant emergency service in England (“ the relevant service ”) must keep under consideration whether entering into a collaboration agreement with one or more other relevant emergency services in England could be in the interests of the efficiency or effectiveness of that service and those other services.

(2) If the relevant service considers that entering into a collaboration agreement with one or more other relevant emergency services in England could be in the interests of the efficiency or effectiveness of that service and those other services (“the proposed collaboration”), the relevant service must notify those other services of the proposed collaboration.

(3) The relevant service and the other services (“the proposed parties”) must consider whether the proposed collaboration would be in the interests of the efficiency or effectiveness of the proposed parties.

(4) Subsection (5) applies if—

(a) a proposed party is of the view that the proposed collaboration would be in the interests of its efficiency or effectiveness (if it were to give effect to the proposed collaboration, or to give effect to it so far as it relates to that party), and

(b) at least one other proposed party is of the view that the proposed collaboration would be in the interests of its efficiency or effectiveness (if it were to give effect to the proposed collaboration, or to give effect to it so far as it relates to that party).

(5) Each proposed party which is of that view must give effect to the proposed collaboration, or give effect to it so far as it relates to that party, by entering into a collaboration agreement (if the party has power to do so).

(6) In the application of this section to a local policing body, references to the efficiency or effectiveness of that body include the efficiency or effectiveness of the police force it is responsible for maintaining.

(7) This section is subject to section 3 (collaboration agreements: specific restrictions).

Section 3 Collaboration agreements: specific restrictions

(1) Section 2 does not require a relevant emergency service in England to enter into a collaboration agreement if the service is of the view that the proposed collaboration would have an adverse effect on public safety or otherwise have an adverse effect on its efficiency or effectiveness.

(2) Section 2 does not require an ambulance trust in England to enter into a collaboration agreement that would in the view of that trust have an adverse effect on—

(a) its ability to exercise any of its functions other than its functions of providing an emergency ambulance service, or

(b) the health service in England (within the meaning of the National Health Service Act 2006).

(3) Section 2 applies to an ambulance trust in England only so far as it provides an emergency ambulance service.

(4) Subsection (5) applies where an ambulance trust in England is considering whether a proposed collaboration would be in the interests of the efficiency or effectiveness of the trust for the purposes of section 2.

(5) The ambulance trust must have particular regard to any effect that entering into a collaboration agreement pursuant to the proposed collaboration would have on—

(a) its ability to exercise any of its functions other than its functions of providing an emergency ambulance service, and

(b) the health service in England (within the meaning of the National Health Service Act 2006).

(6) The London Fire Commissioner must consult the Mayor of London before entering into a collaboration agreement (unless the Mayor is a party to the agreement).

(7) A combined authority that exercises the functions of a fire and rescue authority by virtue of section 105 or 105A of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 may only enter into a collaboration agreement where the functions of the authority to which the agreement relates are functions of a fire and rescue authority that the combined authority is entitled to exercise.

(7A) A combined county authority that exercises the functions of a fire and rescue authority by virtue of section 18 or 19 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 may only enter into a collaboration agreement where the functions of the authority to which the agreement relates are functions of a fire and rescue authority that the combined county authority is entitled to exercise.

(8) An elected mayor who exercises the functions of a fire and rescue authority by virtue of section 107D of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 may only enter into a collaboration agreement where the functions of the mayor to which the agreement relates are functions of a fire and rescue authority that the mayor is entitled to exercise.

(9) An elected mayor who exercises the functions of a police and crime commissioner by virtue of section 107F of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 may only enter into a collaboration agreement where the functions of the mayor to which the agreement relates are functions of a police and crime commissioner that the mayor is entitled to exercise.

(10) A chief officer of police of a police force may not enter into a collaboration agreement unless the local policing body responsible for maintaining that police force also enters into the agreement.

(11) A local policing body must consult the chief officer of police of the police force which the body is responsible for maintaining before entering into a collaboration agreement (unless that chief officer is a party to the agreement).

Section 4 Collaboration agreements: supplementary

(1) A collaboration agreement may, in particular, make provision about the use, for the purposes of the agreement, of a power of a party to the agreement to—

(a) make arrangements for the exercise of the party's functions by another person, or

(b) exercise functions jointly with another person.

(2) A collaboration agreement may include provision for payments to be made by the parties to the agreement for the purposes of facilitating that agreement.

(3) A party to a collaboration agreement may do anything that is necessary or expedient for the purposes of facilitating the agreement.

(4) Subsection (3) is subject to any restriction imposed on a party by, or by virtue of, an enactment or rule of law.

(5) A collaboration agreement may not include provision for the delegation of a function where that function may not otherwise be delegated.

(6) The delegation of a function pursuant to a collaboration agreement does not affect the responsibility of any party to the agreement for the exercise of its functions.

(7) A collaboration agreement must make provision for a party to withdraw from the agreement where in the view of that party the agreement is no longer in the interests of its efficiency or effectiveness.

(8) A collaboration agreement may be—

(a) varied with the agreement of all of the parties to the agreement, or

(b) replaced by a subsequent collaboration agreement.

Section 5 Collaboration agreements: definitions

(1) This section has effect for the purposes of this Chapter.

(2) “ Collaboration agreement ” has the meaning given by section 1(3).

(3) “ Relevant emergency service in England ” means—

(a) an ambulance trust in England,

(b) a fire and rescue body in England, or

(c) a police body in England.

(4) “ Ambulance trust in England ” means—

(a) an NHS trust all or most of whose hospitals, establishments and facilities are in England and which provides ambulance services, or

(b) an NHS foundation trust which provides such services.

(5) “ Fire and rescue body in England ” means—

(a) a fire and rescue authority in England,

(b) a combined authority that exercises the functions of a fire and rescue authority by virtue of section 105 or 105A of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, ...

(c) an elected mayor who exercises the functions of a fire and rescue authority by virtue of section 107D of that Act.

(d) a combined county authority that exercises the functions of a fire and rescue authority by virtue of section 18 or 19 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, or

(e) an elected mayor who exercises the functions of a fire and rescue authority by virtue of section 30 of that Act.

(6) “ Fire and rescue authority in England ” has the same meaning as in the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004.

(7) “ Police body in England ” means—

(a) a police and crime commissioner for a police area in England,

(b) a chief constable of a police force for a police area in England (see Schedule 1 to the Police Act 1996),

(c) the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime,

(d) the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis,

(e) the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as police authority for the City of London police area,

(f) the Commissioner of Police for the City of London, or

(g) an elected mayor who exercises the functions of a police and crime commissioner by virtue of section 107F of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.

(8) “ Chief officer ” means—

(a) a chief constable of a police force for a police area in England (see Schedule 1 to the Police Act 1996),

(b) the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, or

(c) the Commissioner of Police for the City of London.

(9) “ Local policing body ” means—

(a) a police and crime commissioner for a police area in England,

(b) the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime,

(c) the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as police authority for the City of London police area, or

(d) an elected mayor who exercises the functions of a police and crime commissioner by virtue of section 107F of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.

(10) “ The City of London police area ” means the City of London as defined for the purposes of the Acts relating to the City of London police force.

Section 6 Provision for police and crime commissioner to be fire and rescue authority

Schedule 1 makes provision for a person who is the police and crime commissioner for an area to be the fire and rescue authority for that area.

Section 7 Involvement of police and crime commissioner in fire and rescue authority

(1) The Local Government Act 1972 is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (4).

(2) In section 102 (appointment of committees) after subsection (5) insert—

(6) Subsection (7) applies in relation to—

(a) a committee or sub-committee appointed by a local authority in England wholly or partly for the purposes of discharging functions of a fire and rescue authority,

(b) a joint committee appointed by two or more local authorities in England wholly or partly for the purposes of discharging such functions, or

(c) a sub-committee appointed by any such committee or joint committee wholly or partly for the purposes of discharging such functions.

(7) A relevant police and crime commissioner may only be appointed to a committee or sub-committee to which this subsection applies in response to a request made by the commissioner to the appointing authority or authorities or, in the case of a sub-committee, to the appointing committee.

(8) If a request under subsection (7) is made to an appointing authority or authorities or an appointing committee, they must—

(a) consider the request,

(b) give reasons for their decision to agree to or refuse the request, and

(c) publish those reasons in such manner as they think appropriate.

(9) A relevant police and crime commissioner may attend, speak at and vote at a meeting of a committee to which the commissioner is appointed in accordance with this section only if and to the extent that the business of the meeting relates to the functions of a fire and rescue authority.

(10) Subsection (11) defines “ relevant police and crime commissioner ” for the purposes of this section in relation to—

(a) a committee or sub-committee appointed by a local authority,

(b) a joint committee appointed by two or more local authorities, or

(c) a sub-committee appointed by a committee of a local authority or a joint committee of two or more local authorities.

(11) For those purposes “ relevant police and crime commissioner ” means a police and crime commissioner—

(a) whose area is the same as, or contains all of, the area of that local authority or (as the case may be) one or more of those local authorities, or

(b) all or part of whose area falls within the area of that local authority or (as the case may be) one or more of those local authorities.

(3) In Part 1 of Schedule 12 (meetings and proceedings of principal councils) after paragraph 6 insert—

6ZA 1 A relevant police and crime commissioner may attend, speak at and vote at a meeting of a principal council in England which is a fire and rescue authority. 2 Sub-paragraph (1) applies— a only if and to the extent that the business of the meeting relates to the functions of the principal council as a fire and rescue authority, and b only if the council have consented to the participation of the relevant police and crime commissioner in such meetings in response to a request by the commissioner to do so. 3 If a request under sub-paragraph (2)(b) is made to a principal council, the council must— a consider the request, b give reasons for their decision to agree to or refuse the request, and c publish those reasons in such manner as they think appropriate. 4 If the principal council agree to the request, the relevant police and crime commissioner is to be treated as a member of the council for the purposes of the following provisions of this Schedule in the case of a meeting which relates to the functions of the council as a fire and rescue authority— a paragraph 3(2); b paragraph 4(1A); c paragraph 5(3); d paragraph 6; e paragraph 39; f paragraph 40; g paragraph 41(3); h paragraph 43. 5 In this paragraph “ relevant police and crime commissioner ”, in relation to a principal council, means a police and crime commissioner— a whose area is the same as, or contains all of, the area of the principal council, or b all or part of whose area falls within the area of the principal council. 4 In Part 1A of Schedule 12 (joint authorities etc) in paragraph 6B (application of Part 1) after “this Schedule” insert “ other than paragraph 6ZA ” . 5 The Local Government Act 1985 is amended in accordance with subsections (6) and (7). 6 In section 26 (metropolitan county fire and rescue authorities)— a in subsection (3) for “Each” substitute “ Subject to subsection (5), each ” , and b after subsection (4) insert— 5 A metropolitan county fire and rescue authority may appoint a relevant police and crime commissioner to be a member of the authority. 6 An appointment under subsection (5) may only be made in response to a request by the relevant police and crime commissioner. 7 If a request under subsection (6) is made to a metropolitan county fire and rescue authority, the authority must— a consider the request, b give reasons for their decision to agree to or refuse the request, and c publish those reasons in such manner as they think appropriate. 8 In this section “ relevant police and crime commissioner ”, in relation to a metropolitan county fire and rescue authority, means a police and crime commissioner— a whose area is the same as, or contains all of, the area of the authority, or b all or part of whose area falls within the area of the authority. 7 In section 34 (chairman, vice-chairman and clerk of metropolitan county fire and rescue authority) in subsection (7) for the “and” at the end of paragraph (b) substitute— ba if the chairman is a police and crime commissioner and the authority and the commissioner have agreed that the commissioner should cease to be a member of the authority, the date agreed by the authority and the commissioner as the date on which the commissioner's membership should cease; and . 8 In section 13 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (voting rights of members of certain committees) after subsection (5) insert— 5ZA Nothing in this section shall prevent the appointment of a police and crime commissioner as a voting member of— a any committee or sub-committee appointed by a local authority in England wholly or partly for the purposes of discharging functions of a fire and rescue authority, b any joint committee appointed by two or more local authorities in England wholly or partly for the purposes of discharging such functions, or c any sub-committee appointed by any such committee or joint committee wholly or partly for the purposes of discharging such functions. 5ZB In subsection (5ZA) “ local authority ” does not include— a a fire and rescue authority constituted by a scheme under section 2 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 or a scheme to which section 4 of that Act applies, b a joint authority which is a metropolitan county fire and rescue authority, or c the London Fire Commissioner. 9 In Schedule A1 to the Local Government Act 2000 (executive arrangements in England: further provisions) after paragraph 4 insert— Attendance of police and crime commissioner at meetings

(4A)

(1) A relevant police and crime commissioner may attend, speak at and vote at—

(a) a meeting of an executive of a local authority which is a fire and rescue authority, or

(b) a meeting of a committee of such an executive.

(2) Sub-paragraph (1) applies—

(a) only if and to the extent that the business of the meeting relates to the functions of the authority as a fire and rescue authority, and

(b) only if the executive has consented to the participation of the relevant police and crime commissioner in such meetings in response to a request by the commissioner to do so.

(3) If a request under sub-paragraph (2)(b) is made to an executive of a local authority, the executive must—

(a) consider the request,

(b) give reasons for its decision to agree to or refuse the request, and

(c) publish those reasons in such manner as it thinks appropriate.

(4) In this paragraph “ relevant police and crime commissioner ” means a police and crime commissioner—

(a) whose area is the same as, or contains all of, the area of the local authority, or

(b) all or part of whose area falls within the area of the local authority.

(10) Section 3 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (creation of combined fire and rescue authority: supplementary) is amended in accordance with subsections (11) and (12).

(11) In subsection (3)(a) for “or by the Secretary of State” substitute “ , by the Secretary of State or, in the case of a combined authority for an area which is wholly within England, by the combined authority ” .

(12) After subsection (5) insert—

(6) The following provisions apply if a scheme under section 2 provides for members of a combined authority to be appointed by the authority.

(7) The scheme must provide that a relevant police and crime commissioner may only be appointed as a member of the authority in response to a request by the commissioner.

(8) The scheme must provide that, if such a request is made to the authority, the authority must—

(a) consider the request,

(b) give reasons for its decision to agree to or refuse the request, and

(c) publish those reasons in such manner as it thinks appropriate.

(9) In this section “ relevant police and crime commissioner ”, in relation to a combined authority, means a police and crime commissioner—

(a) whose area is the same as, or contains all of, the area of the authority, or

(b) all or part of whose area falls within the area of the authority.

(13) The Localism Act 2011 is amended in accordance with subsections (14) and (15).

(14) In section 27 (duty to promote and maintain high standards of conduct) after subsection (4) insert—

(4A) In this Chapter “ co-opted member ” includes a police and crime commissioner who—

(a) is entitled to participate in meetings of a county or district council by virtue of paragraph 6ZA of Part 1 of Schedule 12 to the Local Government Act 1972, or

(b) is entitled to participate in meetings of an executive of a county or district council by virtue of paragraph 4A of Schedule A1 to the Local Government Act 2000.

(15) In section 28 (codes of conduct) after subsection (11) insert—

(11A) Subsections (11B) to (11D) apply if a police and crime commissioner is a member or co-opted member of a relevant authority in the commissioner's capacity as such.

(11B) Arrangements put in place under subsection (6)(b) by the relevant authority must include provision for an allegation against the commissioner to be referred to the police and crime panel for the commissioner's police area.

(11C) If, in response to an allegation referred to it by virtue of subsection (11B), the police and crime panel makes a report or recommendation to the police and crime commissioner under section 28(6) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, the panel may also make a report or recommendation on the allegation to the relevant authority.

(11D) The relevant authority must take any such report or recommendation into account in determining—

(a) whether the police and crime commissioner has failed to comply with the authority's code of conduct,

(b) whether to take action in relation to the commissioner, and

(c) what action to take.

Section 8 Combined authority mayors: exercise of fire and rescue functions

(1) The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (4).

(2) After section 107E insert—

Exercise of fire and rescue functions

(107EA)

(1) This section applies to a mayor for the area of a combined authority who—

(a) by virtue of section 107D(1), may exercise functions which are conferred on a fire and rescue authority in that name (“fire and rescue functions”), and

(b) by virtue of section 107F(1), may exercise functions of a police and crime commissioner.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order make provision—

(a) authorising the mayor to arrange for the chief constable of the police force for the police area which corresponds to the area of the combined authority to exercise fire and rescue functions exercisable by the mayor;

(b) authorising that chief constable to arrange for a person within subsection (4) to exercise the chief constable's fire and rescue functions.

(3) An order under subsection (2) may provide that arrangements made under the order—

(a) may authorise the exercise of any functions mentioned in that subsection;

(b) may authorise the exercise of any functions mentioned in that subsection other than those specified or described in the order;

(c) may authorise the exercise of such of the functions mentioned in that subsection as are specified or described in the order.

(4) The persons mentioned in subsection (2)(b) are—

(a) members of the chief constable's police force;

(b) the civilian staff of that police force, as defined by section 102(4) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011;

(c) members of staff transferred to the chief constable under a scheme made by virtue of section 107EC(1);

(d) members of staff appointed by the chief constable under section 107EC(2).

(5) Provision in an order under section 107D(1) for a function to be exercisable only by the mayor for the area of a combined authority is subject to provision made by virtue of subsection (2).

(6) This section is subject to—

(a) section 107EB (section 107EA orders: procedure), and

(b) section 37 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (prohibition on employment of police in fire-fighting).

(7) In this section “ fire and rescue functions ”, in relation to a chief constable, means—

(a) functions which are exercisable by the chief constable by virtue of provision made under subsection (2)(a), and

(b) functions relating to fire and rescue services which are conferred on the chief constable by or by virtue of any enactment.

Section 107EA orders: procedure

(107EB)

(1) An order under section 107EA(2) may be made in relation to the mayor for the area of a combined authority only if the mayor has requested the Secretary of State to make the order.

(2) A request under subsection (1) must be accompanied by a report which contains—

(a) an assessment of why—

(i) it is in the interests of economy, efficiency and effectiveness for the order to be made, or

(ii) it is in the interests of public safety for the order to be made,

(b) a description of any public consultation which the mayor has carried out on the proposal for the order to be made,

(c) a summary of the responses to any such consultation, and

(d) a summary of the representations (if any) which the mayor has received about that proposal from the constituent members of the combined authority.

(3) Before making the request the mayor must publish, in such manner as the mayor thinks appropriate, the mayor's response to the representations made or views expressed in response to any consultations on the proposal.

(4) Subsections (5) to (7) apply if—

(a) the mayor for the area of a combined authority makes a request under subsection (1) for the Secretary of State to make an order under section 107EA(2), and

(b) at least two thirds of the constituent members of the combined authority have indicated that they disagree with the proposal for the order to be made.

(5) The mayor must, in providing the report under subsection (2), provide the Secretary of State with—

(a) copies of the representations (if any) made by the constituent members of the combined authority about that proposal, and

(b) the mayor's response to those representations and to the responses to any public consultation which the mayor has carried out on that proposal.

(6) The Secretary of State must—

(a) obtain an independent assessment of that proposal, and

(b) in deciding whether to make the order, have regard to that assessment and to the material provided under subsection (5) (as well as the material provided under subsection (2)).

(7) The Secretary of State must publish the independent assessment—

(a) as soon as is reasonably practicable after making a determination in response to the proposal, and

(b) in such manner as the Secretary of State thinks appropriate.

(8) An order under section 107EA(2) may be made only if it appears to the Secretary of State that—

(a) it is in the interests of economy, efficiency and effectiveness for the order to be made, or

(b) it is in the interests of public safety for the order to be made.

(9) The Secretary of State may not make an order under section 107EA(2) in a case within subsection (8)(a) of this section if the Secretary of State thinks that the order would have an adverse effect on public safety.

(10) The Secretary of State may, in making an order under section 107EA(2) in relation to the mayor for the area of a combined authority, give effect to the mayor's proposal for the order with such modifications as the Secretary of State thinks appropriate.

(11) Before making an order which gives effect to such a proposal with modifications, the Secretary of State must consult the mayor and the combined authority on the modifications.

(12) In this section—

“ constituent council ”, in relation to a combined authority, means—

a county council the whole or any part of whose area is within the area of the combined authority, or

a district council whose area is within the area of the combined authority;

“ constituent member ”, in relation to a combined authority, means a member of the authority appointed by a constituent council (but does not include the mayor for the area of the combined authority).

Section 107EA orders: further provision

(107EC)

(1) An order under section 107EA(2) may make provision for the making of a scheme to transfer property, rights and liabilities (including criminal liabilities)—

(a) from a fire and rescue authority or the combined authority to the chief constable, or

(b) from the chief constable to the combined authority,

(including provision corresponding to any provision made by section 17(4) to (6) of the Localism Act 2011).

(2) A chief constable to whom an order under section 107EA(2) applies may appoint staff for the purpose of the exercise of the chief constable's fire and rescue functions.

(3) A chief constable to whom an order under section 107EA(2) applies may—

(a) pay remuneration, allowances and gratuities to members of the chief constable's fire and rescue staff;

(b) pay pensions to, or in respect of, persons who are or have been such members of staff;

(c) pay amounts for or towards the provision of pensions to, or in respect of, persons who are or have been such members of staff.

(4) In subsection (3) “ allowances ”, in relation to a member of staff, means allowances in respect of expenses incurred by the member of staff in the course of employment as such a member of staff.

(5) Subject to subsections (6) to (8), a person who is employed pursuant to a transfer by virtue of subsection (1) or an appointment under subsection (2) may not at the same time be employed pursuant to an appointment by a chief constable of the police force for a police area under Schedule 2 to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

(6) Where an order under section 107EA(2) is in force in relation to the chief constable of the police force for a police area, the person who is for the time being the police force's chief finance officer is to be responsible for the proper administration of financial affairs relating to the exercise of the chief constable's fire and rescue functions.

(7) Subsection (5) does not prevent a person who is employed as a finance officer for fire functions from being at the same time employed as a finance officer for police functions.

(8) In subsection (7)—

“ finance officer for fire functions ” means a member of a chief constable's fire and rescue staff who—

is not a chief finance officer of the kind mentioned in subsection (6), and

is employed to carry out duties relating to the proper administration of financial affairs relating to the exercise of the chief constable's fire and rescue functions;

“ finance officer for police functions ” means a member of a chief constable's civilian staff within the meaning of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 who—

is not a chief finance officer of the kind mentioned in subsection (6), and

is employed to carry out duties relating to the proper administration of a police force's financial affairs.

(9) Where an order under section 107EA(2) is in force, the combined authority to which the order applies must pay—

(a) any damages or costs awarded against the chief constable to whom the order applies in any proceedings brought against the chief constable in respect of the acts or omissions of a member of the chief constable's fire and rescue staff;

(b) any costs incurred by the chief constable in any such proceedings so far as not recovered by the chief constable in the proceedings;

(c) any sum required in connection with the settlement of any claim made against the chief constable in respect of the acts or omissions of a member of the chief constable's fire and rescue staff, if the settlement is approved by the authority.

(10) Where an order under section 107EA(2) is in force, the combined authority to which the order applies may, in such cases and to such extent as appears to the authority to be appropriate, pay—

(a) any damages or costs awarded against a member of the fire and rescue staff of the chief constable to whom the order applies in proceedings for any unlawful conduct of that member of staff;

(b) costs incurred and not recovered by such a member of staff in such proceedings;

(c) sums required in connection with the settlement of a claim that has or might have given rise to such proceedings.

(11) In this section—

“ fire and rescue functions ” has the same meaning as in section 107EA;

“ fire and rescue staff ”, in relation to a chief constable to whom an order under section 107EA(2) applies, means—

staff transferred to the chief constable under a scheme made by virtue of subsection (1);

staff appointed by the chief constable under subsection (2).

Section 107EA orders: exercise of fire and rescue functions

(107ED)

(1) This section applies if—

(a) an order under section 107EA(2) makes provision in relation to the area of a combined authority, and

(b) by virtue of the order, fire and rescue functions exercisable by the mayor for the area of the combined authority are exercisable by the chief constable of the police force for the police area which corresponds to that area.

(2) The chief constable must secure that good value for money is obtained in exercising—

(a) functions which are exercisable by the chief constable by virtue of the order, and

(b) functions relating to fire and rescue services which are conferred on the chief constable by or by virtue of any enactment.

(3) The chief constable must secure that other persons exercising functions by virtue of the order obtain good value for money in exercising those functions.

(4) The mayor must—

(a) secure the exercise of the duties which are exercisable by the chief constable or another person by virtue of the order,

(b) secure the exercise of the duties relating to fire and rescue services which are imposed on the chief constable by or by virtue of any enactment,

(c) secure that functions which are exercisable by the chief constable or another person by virtue of the order are exercised efficiently and effectively, and

(d) secure that functions relating to fire and rescue services which are conferred or imposed on the chief constable by or by virtue of any enactment are exercised efficiently and effectively.

(5) The mayor must hold the chief constable to account for the exercise of such functions.

Section 107EA orders: complaints and conduct matters etc

(107EE)

(1) If an order is made under section 107EA(2) that enables arrangements to be made for the exercise of functions by members of a police force or the civilian staff of a police force, the Secretary of State may by order amend Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (persons serving with the police: complaints and conduct matters etc) in consequence of that provision.

(2) If an order is made under section 107EA(2) that enables arrangements to be made for the exercise of functions by members of staff transferred to a chief constable under a scheme made by virtue of section 107EC(1) or appointed by a chief constable under section 107EC(2), the Secretary of State may by order make provision of the type described in subsection (3) in relation to those members of staff.

(3) The provision referred to in subsection (2) is—

(a) provision corresponding or similar to any provision made by or under Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002;

(b) provision applying (with or without modifications) any provision made by or under Part 2 of that Act.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order, in consequence of any provision made under subsection (2), amend Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

(5) Before making an order under this section the Secretary of State must consult—

(a) the Police Advisory Board for England and Wales,

(b) the Independent Police Complaints Commission,

(c) such persons as appear to the Secretary of State to represent the views of police and crime commissioners,

(d) such persons as appear to the Secretary of State to represent the views of fire and rescue authorities, and

(e) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

Section 107EA orders: application of fire and rescue provisions

(107EF)

(1) The Secretary of State may by order—

(a) apply (with or without modifications) any provision of a fire and rescue enactment in relation to a person within subsection (2);

(b) make, in relation to a person within subsection (2), provision corresponding or similar to any provision of a fire and rescue enactment.

(2) Those persons are—

(a) a chief constable of a police force for a police area to whom an order under section 107EA(2) applies,

(b) a member of staff transferred to such a chief constable under a scheme made by virtue of section 107EC(1),

(c) a member of staff appointed by such a chief constable under section 107EC(2),

(d) a member of such a chief constable's police force by whom functions are exercisable by virtue of section 107EA(2)(b), and

(e) a member of the civilian staff of such a police force (as defined by section 102(4) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011) by whom functions are exercisable by virtue of section 107EA(2)(b).

(3) The power conferred by subsection (1)(a) or (b) includes power to apply (with or without modifications) any provision made under a fire and rescue enactment or make provision corresponding or similar to any such provision.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order amend, revoke or repeal a provision of or made under an enactment in consequence of provision made by virtue of subsection (1).

(5) In this section “ fire and rescue enactment ” means an enactment relating to a fire and rescue authority (including, in particular, an enactment relating to an employee of such an authority or property of such an authority).

(6) References in this section to an enactment or to provision made under an enactment are to an enactment whenever passed or (as the case may be) to provision whenever the instrument containing it is made.

Section 107EA orders: application of local policing provisions

(107EG)

(1) The Secretary of State may by order—

(a) apply (with or without modifications) any provision of a local policing enactment in relation to a person within subsection (2);

(b) make, in relation to such a person, provision corresponding or similar to any provision of a local policing enactment.

(2) Those persons are—

(a) a mayor for the area of a combined authority to whom an order under section 107EA(2) applies,

(b) a chief constable to whom such an order applies, and

(c) a panel established by virtue of an order under paragraph 4 of Schedule 5C for such an area.

(3) The power conferred by subsection (1)(a) or (b) includes power to apply (with or without modifications) any provision made by or under a local policing enactment or make provision corresponding or similar to any such provision.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order amend, revoke or repeal a provision of or made under an enactment in consequence of provision made by virtue of subsection (1).

(5) In this section “ local policing enactment ” means an enactment relating to a police and crime commissioner.

(6) References in this section to an enactment or to provision made under an enactment are to an enactment whenever passed or (as the case may be) to provision whenever the instrument containing it is made.

(3) In section 107D(6)(b) (general functions exercisable by the mayor for the area of a combined authority) after “section 107E” insert “ or 107EA ” .

(4) In section 120 (interpretation) after the definition of “ EPB ” insert—

“ fire and rescue authority ” means a fire and rescue authority under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004;

(5) In section 26 of the Fire Services Act 1947 (firefighters' pension scheme) (as continued in force by order under section 36 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004) in subsection (5A) (as inserted by paragraph 14 of Schedule 1)—

(a) omit the “or” at the end of paragraph (a), and

(b) after paragraph (b) insert—

(c) a transfer to the chief constable under a scheme made by virtue of section 107EC(1) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, or

(d) an appointment by the chief constable under section 107EC(2) of that Act.

(6) In section 63 of the Police Act 1996 (Police Advisory Board for England and Wales) in subsection (4) (as inserted by paragraph 76 of Schedule 1) for “also imposes a requirement” substitute “ and section 107EE of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 also impose requirements ” .

(7) In section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (police powers for civilian staff) in subsection (11A) (as inserted by paragraph 82 of Schedule 1) after paragraph (b) insert—

(c) any member of staff transferred to that chief constable under a scheme made by virtue of section 107EC(1) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (transfer of property, rights and liabilities to chief constable to whom fire functions of combined authority may be delegated);

(d) any member of staff appointed by that chief constable under section 107EC(2) of that Act (appointment of staff by chief constable to whom fire functions of combined authority may be delegated).

(8) In section 34 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (pensions etc) in subsection (11) (as inserted by paragraph 11 of Schedule 1)—

(a) omit the “or” at the end of paragraph (a), and

(b) after paragraph (b) insert—

(c) transferred to the chief constable under a scheme made by virtue of section 107EC(1) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, or

(d) appointed by the chief constable under section 107EC(2) of that Act.

(9) In section 37 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (prohibition on employment of police in fire-fighting) (as substituted by paragraph 12 of Schedule 1) in subsection (3)—

(a) after “whom” insert “ —(a) ” , and

(b) after paragraph (a) insert

, or

(b) functions of a fire and rescue authority which are exercisable by the mayor of a combined authority have been delegated under an order under section 107EA(2) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.

(10) In Schedule 8 to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (appointment, suspension and removal of senior police officers) in paragraph 2 (no appointment until end of confirmation process) in sub-paragraph (1AA) (as inserted by paragraph 93 of Schedule 1) after “section 4H of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004” insert “ or section 107EA(2) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 ” .

(11) In Schedule 1 to the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 (persons in public service: definitions) in paragraph 6 (fire and rescue workers) in paragraph (aa) (as inserted by paragraph 95 of Schedule 1)—

(a) omit the “or” at the end of sub-paragraph (i), and

(b) for the “or” at the end of sub-paragraph (ii) substitute—

(iii) transferred to the chief constable under a scheme made by virtue of section 107EC(1) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, or

(iv) appointed by the chief constable under section 107EC(2) of that Act, or

Section 9 The London Fire Commissioner

(1) The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority is abolished.

(2) The functions of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority are (subject to this Act) transferred to the London Fire Commissioner.

(3) Schedule 2—

(a) amends the Greater London Authority Act 1999 in consequence of the abolition of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority,

(b) amends that Act so as to make provision about the London Fire Commissioner, and

(c) makes consequential amendments to other Acts.

Section 10 Transfer of property, rights and liabilities to the London Fire Commissioner

(1) The Secretary of State may make one or more schemes for the transfer of property, rights and liabilities of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority to the London Fire Commissioner.

(2) The things that may be transferred under a transfer scheme include—

(a) property, rights and liabilities that could not otherwise be transferred;

(b) property acquired, and rights and liabilities arising, after the making of the scheme;

(c) criminal liabilities.

(3) A transfer scheme may make consequential, supplementary, incidental or transitional provision and may in particular—

(a) create rights, or impose liabilities, in relation to property transferred;

(b) make provision about the continuing effect of things done by the transferor in respect of anything transferred;

(c) make provision about the continuation of things (including legal proceedings) in the process of being done by, on behalf of or in relation to the transferor, in respect of anything transferred;

(d) make provision for references to the transferor in an instrument or other document in respect of anything transferred to be treated as references to the transferee;

(e) if the TUPE regulations do not apply in relation to the transfer, make provision which is the same or similar.

(4) A transfer scheme may provide—

(a) for the scheme to be modified by agreement after it comes into effect;

(b) for any such modifications to have effect from the date when the original scheme came into effect.

(5) In this section—

(a) references to the transfer of property include the grant of a lease;

(b) references to rights and liabilities include rights and liabilities under a contract of employment;

(c) “ TUPE regulations ” means the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 ( SI 2006/246).

Section 11 Inspection of fire and rescue services

(1) The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 28 (inspectors), before subsection (1) insert—

(A1) Her Majesty may appoint such number of inspectors of fire and rescue authorities in England (the “English inspectors”) as the Secretary of State may determine.

(A2) Of the persons appointed under subsection (A1) one is to be appointed as the chief fire and rescue inspector for England.

(A3) The English inspectors must inspect, and report on the efficiency and effectiveness of, fire and rescue authorities in England.

(A4) The English inspectors must carry out such other duties for the purpose of furthering the efficiency and effectiveness of fire and rescue authorities in England as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct.

(A5) The chief fire and rescue inspector for England may appoint assistant inspectors and other officers for the purpose of assisting the English inspectors.

(A6) When carrying out an inspection under subsection (A3) of a fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A, an English inspector must not review or scrutinise decisions made, or other action taken, by the fire and rescue authority in connection with the discharge of an excluded function.

(A7) For the purposes of subsection (A6), the following are excluded functions in relation to a fire and rescue authority—

(a) the function of preparing a fire and rescue plan and a fire and rescue statement (within the meaning of Schedule A2);

(b) the functions that the authority has in its capacity as a major precepting authority for the purposes of Part 1 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992;

(c) the function of appointing a chief finance officer under section 4D(4);

(d) where functions of the authority have been delegated to a chief constable under an order under section 4H, the functions conferred on the authority by section 4J(4) and (5);

(e) functions specified, or of a description specified, in relation to that authority in an order made by the Secretary of State.

(A8) The power under subsection (A7)(e) may be exercised in relation to—

(a) all fire and rescue authorities created by an order under section 4A,

(b) a particular fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A, or

(c) a particular description of fire and rescue authorities created by an order under section 4A.

(A9) Schedule A3 makes further provision in relation to the English inspectors.

(3) In section 28, in subsection (1)(a), after “fire and rescue authorities” insert “ in Wales ” .

(4) After section 28 insert—

Inspection programme and inspection framework etc: England

(28A)

(1) The chief fire and rescue inspector for England must from time to time prepare—

(a) a document setting out what inspections of fire and rescue authorities in England the English inspectors propose to carry out under section 28(A3) (an “inspection programme”);

(b) a document setting out the manner in which the English inspectors propose to carry out the function conferred on them by section 28(A3) (an “inspection framework”).

(2) The chief fire and rescue inspector for England must obtain the approval of the Secretary of State to an inspection programme or inspection framework before the English inspectors act in accordance with it.

(3) The Secretary of State may at any time require the chief fire and rescue inspector for England to carry out, or arrange for another English inspector to carry out, an inspection under section 28(A3) of—

(a) a fire and rescue authority in England;

(b) all fire and rescue authorities in England;

(c) all fire and rescue authorities in England of a particular type.

(4) A requirement imposed under subsection (3) may limit the inspection to a particular matter.

(5) The chief fire and rescue inspector for England or, at the request of that inspector, any other English inspector may carry out an inspection under section 28(A3) of a fire and rescue authority in England that has not been set out in an inspection programme (and has not been required under subsection (3)).

(6) Before deciding to carry out, or to request another English inspector to carry out, an inspection of a fire and rescue authority in England that has not been set out in an inspection programme, the chief fire and rescue inspector for England must consult the Secretary of State.

(7) Nothing in an inspection programme or inspection framework is to be read as preventing an English inspector from making a visit without notice.

(8) In this section “ English inspector ” means an inspector appointed under section 28(A1).

(5) After section 28A (as inserted by subsection (4)) insert—

Publication of inspection reports etc: England

(28B)

(1) The chief fire and rescue inspector for England must arrange for a report prepared under section 28(A3) to be published in such manner as appears to him or her to be appropriate.

(2) But the chief fire and rescue inspector for England must exclude from publication under subsection (1) anything that he or she considers—

(a) would be against the interests of national security, or

(b) might jeopardise the safety of any person.

(3) The chief fire and rescue inspector for England must—

(a) send a copy of the published report to the Secretary of State, and

(b) disclose to the Secretary of State anything excluded from publication by virtue of subsection (2).

(4) The chief fire and rescue inspector for England must in each year submit to the Secretary of State a report on the carrying out of inspections under section 28(A3) (during the period since the last report).

(5) A report under subsection (4) must include the chief fire and rescue inspector for England's assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of fire and rescue authorities in England for the period in respect of which the report is prepared.

(6) The chief fire and rescue inspector for England must lay before Parliament a copy of a report submitted under subsection (4).

(7) In this section “ English inspector ” means an inspector appointed under section 28(A1).

(6) In Schedule A2 (application of legislation relating to police and crime commissioners) (as inserted by Schedule 1 to this Act), in paragraph 8(2) (powers of police and crime panels: modifications of section 28 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011), after paragraph (d) insert—

(da) the references in subsection (6) to the commissioner's functions were to the functions of the relevant fire and rescue authority that are excluded functions for the purposes of section 28(A6) of this Act (see section 28(A7)),

(7) After Schedule A2 insert the new Schedule A3 set out in Schedule 3 to this Act.

(8) A person appointed, before the coming into force of this section, under section 28 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 for the purpose of obtaining information in relation to the functions of fire and rescue authorities in England (including a person taken to have been so appointed by virtue of subsection (3) of that section) is to be taken—

(a) if an inspector, to have been appointed under subsection (A1) of that section, and

(b) if an assistant inspector or other officer, to have been appointed under subsection (A5) of that section.

Section 12 Fire safety inspections

(1) The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 ( S.I. 2005/1541) is amended as follows.

(2) In article 2 (interpretation), in the definition of “fire inspector”—

(a) after “inspector”” insert “ , in relation to Wales, ” ;

(b) for “section 28” substitute “ section 28(1) ” .

(3) In article 27 (powers of inspectors), after paragraph (4) insert—

(5) This article applies to a person authorised by the Secretary of State under article 25(1)(e) in relation to premises in England as it applies to an inspector; and article 32(2)(d) to (f), with the necessary modifications, applies accordingly.

(4) In article 28 (exercise on behalf of fire inspectors etc of their powers by officers of fire brigades)—

(a) in paragraph (1)—

(i) omit “, or any other person authorised by the Secretary of State under article 25(e),”;

(ii) for “and (3)” substitute “ to (4) ” ;

(b) after paragraph (1) insert—

(1A) The powers conferred by article 27 on an authorised person (by virtue of paragraph (5) of that article) are also exercisable by an employee of a fire and rescue authority in England when authorised in writing by such an authorised person for the purpose of reporting to him or her on any matter falling within the authorised person's functions under this Order; and articles 27(2) to (4) and 32(2)(d) to (f), with the necessary modifications, apply accordingly.

(c) in paragraph (2), for “, or other person authorised by the Secretary of State,” substitute “ or authorised person ” ;

(d) after paragraph (2) insert—

(3) In this article, “ authorised person ” means a person authorised by the Secretary of State under article 25(1)(e) in relation to premises in England.

Section 13 Local policing bodies: functions in relation to complaints

In Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (complaints and misconduct), after section 13 insert—

Local policing bodies: functions in relation to complaints

(13A)

(1) The local policing body that maintains a police force may give notice to the chief officer of the police force that it (rather than the chief officer) is to exercise the functions conferred on the chief officer by the provisions specified in subsection (2) or subsections (2) and (3).

(2) The provisions specified in this subsection are—

(a) paragraph 2(6) to (6D) of Schedule 3, and

(b) paragraph 2(9) and (10) of Schedule 3 in so far as relating to a determination made for the purposes of paragraph 2(6) to (6C) of that Schedule.

(3) The provisions specified in this subsection are—

(a) section 20, and

(b) section 21 in so far as that section relates to complaints.

(4) In relation to any complaint in respect of which the chief officer is the appropriate authority that is made on or after the day on which a notice under subsection (1) is given—

(a) the functions of the chief officer to which the notice relates become functions of the local policing body,

(b) references to the chief officer, including in the chief officer's capacity as an appropriate authority, in the provisions specified in subsection (2) or (as the case may be) subsections (2) and (3) are to be read as references to the local policing body, and

(c) for the purpose of paragraph 6(1) of Schedule 3, the complaint is to be treated as having been recorded by the chief officer.

(5) Where the notice under subsection (1) relates to the functions conferred on the chief officer by the provisions specified in subsections (2) and (3), subsection (4)(b) does not apply to the references to an appropriate authority in sections 20(2)(a) and (3A)(a) and 21(7)(a) and (8A)(a).

(6) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision in connection with the giving of notices under subsection (1) and their withdrawal.

(7) Regulations under subsection (6) may (amongst other things) make provision about—

(a) the steps that a local policing body must take before giving a notice;

(b) the circumstances in which a notice may be withdrawn.

Section 14 Definition of police complaint

(1) Section 12 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (complaints, matters and persons to which Part 2 of the Act applies) is amended as follows.

(2) For subsection (1) substitute—

(1) In this Part references to a complaint are references (subject to the following provisions of this section) to any expression of dissatisfaction with a police force which is expressed (whether in writing or otherwise) by or on behalf of a member of the public.

(1A) But an expression of dissatisfaction is a complaint for the purposes of this Part—

(a) where it relates to conduct of a person serving with the police, only if the person in question is a person falling within subsection (1B);

(b) in any other case, only if the person in question has been adversely affected by the matter about which dissatisfaction is expressed.

(1B) In relation to an expression of dissatisfaction that relates to conduct of a person serving with the police, a person falls within this subsection if the person is—

(a) a person who claims to be the person in relation to whom the conduct took place;

(b) a person not falling within paragraph (a) who claims to have been adversely affected by the conduct; or

(c) a person who claims to have witnessed the conduct.

(3) In subsection (3)—

(a) for “subsection (1)(b)” substitute “ subsection (1B)(b) ” ;

(b) for “made by or on behalf of a person who” substitute “ where the person in question ” .

(4) After subsection (4) insert—

(4A) In this section, “ the person in question ” means the person expressing dissatisfaction or the person on whose behalf dissatisfaction is being expressed.

(5) In subsection (6), for the words before paragraph (a) substitute “ For the purposes of this Part a person is not to be taken to have authorised another person to make a complaint on his behalf unless— ” .

(6) Schedule 4 makes amendments of the Police Reform Act 2002 in consequence of the amendments of section 12 of that Act made by this section.

Section 15 Duty to keep complainant and other interested persons informed

(1) Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (complaints and misconduct) is amended as follows.

(2) In section 20 (duty to keep the complainant informed), after subsection (3) insert—

(3A) In any case in which a complaint is being handled—

(a) in accordance with paragraph 6(2A) of Schedule 3 otherwise than by the appropriate authority making arrangements for the complaint to be investigated by the authority on its own behalf, or

(b) otherwise than in accordance with Schedule 3 (as to which see paragraph 2(6C) of that Schedule),

it shall be the duty of the appropriate authority to provide the complainant with all such information as will keep him properly informed, while the complaint is being handled and subsequently, of all the matters mentioned in subsection (4).

(3) In section 20, for subsection (4) substitute—

(4) The matters of which the complainant must be kept properly informed are—

(a) the progress of the handling of the complaint;

(b) the outcome of the handling of the complaint;

(c) any right to apply for a review conferred on the complainant by paragraph 6A or 25 of Schedule 3 (as the case may be);

(d) such other matters as may be specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(4A) The generality of subsection (4)(a) and (b) is not affected by any requirement to notify the complainant that is imposed by any other provision of this Part.

(4) In section 20, after subsection (8) insert—

(8A) In any case in which there is an investigation of a complaint, the Commission or the appropriate authority may comply with its duty under subsection (1) or (2) (as the case may be) so far as relating to the findings of a report submitted under provision made by virtue of paragraph 20A(4)(b) of Schedule 3, or a report of the investigation submitted under paragraph 22 of Schedule 3, by sending the complainant a copy of the report.

(8B) Subsection (8A) applies notwithstanding any obligation of secrecy imposed by any rule of law or otherwise but is subject to—

(a) regulations made under subsection (5), and

(b) section 21A.

(5) In section 20(9), after “under this Part” insert “ , or who is otherwise involved in the handling of a complaint under this Part, ” .

(6) In section 21 (duty to provide information for other persons), after subsection (8) insert—

(8A) In any case in which—

(a) the complaint is being handled in accordance with paragraph 6(2A) of Schedule 3 otherwise than by the appropriate authority making arrangements for the complaint to be investigated by the authority on its own behalf, or

(b) the recordable conduct matter or DSI matter is being handled in a manner determined by the appropriate authority in accordance with paragraph 10(4D), 11(3E), 14(2) or 14D(2) of Schedule 3 otherwise than by the appropriate authority making arrangements for the matter to be investigated by the authority on its own behalf,

it shall be the duty of the appropriate authority to provide the interested person with all such information as will keep him properly informed, while the complaint, recordable conduct matter or DSI matter is being handled and subsequently, of all the matters mentioned in subsection (9).

(7) In section 21, for subsection (9) substitute—

(9) The matters of which the interested person must be kept properly informed are—

(a) the progress of the handling of the complaint, recordable conduct matter or DSI matter;

(b) the outcome of the handling of the complaint, recordable conduct matter or DSI matter;

(c) such other matters as may be specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(9A) The generality of subsection (9)(a) and (b) is not affected by any requirement to notify an interested person that is imposed by any other provision of this Part.

(8) In section 21, after subsection (11) insert—

(11A) In any case in which there is an investigation of a complaint, recordable conduct matter or DSI matter, the Commission or the appropriate authority may comply with its duty under subsection (6) or (7) (as the case may be) so far as relating to the findings of a report submitted under provision made by virtue of paragraph 20A(4)(b) of Schedule 3, or a report of the investigation submitted under paragraph 22 or 24A of Schedule 3, by sending an interested person a copy of the report.

(11B) Subsection (11A) applies notwithstanding any obligation of secrecy imposed by any rule of law or otherwise but is subject to—

(a) regulations made under subsection (10), and

(b) section 21A.

(9) In Schedule 3—

(a) in paragraph 23 (action by the Commission in response to an investigation report under paragraph 22), omit sub-paragraphs (4) and (9) to (12);

(b) in paragraph 24 (action by the appropriate authority in response to an investigation report under paragraph 22), omit sub-paragraphs (4) and (7) to (10).

(10) In consequence of the repeal made by subsection (9)(b), Schedule 3 is further amended as follows—

(a) in paragraph 24, after sub-paragraph (6A) (as inserted by Schedule 5) insert—

(6B) It shall be the duty of the appropriate authority—

(a) to take the action which it determines under sub-paragraph (6) that it is required to, or will in its discretion, take, and

(b) in a case where that action consists of or includes the bringing of disciplinary proceedings, to secure that those proceedings, once brought, are proceeded with to a proper conclusion.

(b) in paragraph 27 (duties with respect to disciplinary proceedings etc)—

(i) in sub-paragraph (1), omit paragraph (a) (including the “or” at the end);

(ii) in sub-paragraph (2)(a), omit “which has been or is required to be notified or, as the case may be,”.

(11) In consequence of the repeals made by subsection (9), omit the following—

(a) in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, in Schedule 23, paragraph 14(7) and (8);

(b) in the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, in Part 3 of Schedule 11, paragraph 95(6).

Section 16 Complaints, conduct matters and DSI matters: procedure

Schedule 5 amends Schedule 3 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (handling of complaints and conduct matters etc).

Section 17 Initiation of investigations by IPCC

(1) Schedule 3 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (handling of complaints and conduct matters etc) is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph 4 (reference of complaints to the Commission), in sub-paragraph (7), in the words before paragraph (a), after “occasion” insert “ , or that has been treated as having been so referred by virtue of paragraph 4A ” .

(3) After paragraph 4 insert—

Power of Commission to treat complaint as having been referred

(4A)

(1) The Commission may treat a complaint that comes to its attention otherwise than by having been referred to it under paragraph 4 as having been so referred.

(2) Where the Commission treats a complaint as having been referred to it—

(a) paragraphs 2 and 4 do not apply, or cease to apply, in relation to the complaint except to the extent provided for by paragraph 4(7), and

(b) paragraphs 5, 6, 6A, 15 and 25 apply in relation to the complaint as if it had been referred to the Commission by the appropriate authority under paragraph 4.

(3) The Commission must notify the following that it is treating a complaint as having been referred to it—

(a) the appropriate authority;

(b) the complainant;

(c) except in a case where it appears to the Commission that to do so might prejudice an investigation of the complaint (whether an existing investigation or a possible future one), the person complained against (if any).

(4) Where an appropriate authority receives a notification under sub-paragraph (3) in respect of a complaint and the complaint has not yet been recorded, the appropriate authority must record the complaint.

(4) In paragraph 11 (recording etc of conduct matters otherwise than where conduct matters arise in civil proceedings), omit sub-paragraph (5).

(5) In paragraph 13 (reference of conduct matters to the Commission), in sub-paragraph (7), in the words before paragraph (a), after “occasion” insert “ , or that has been treated as having been so referred by virtue of paragraph 13A ” .

(6) After paragraph 13 insert—

Power of Commission to treat conduct matter as having been referred

(13A)

(1) The Commission may treat a conduct matter that comes to its attention otherwise than by having been referred to it under paragraph 13 as having been so referred.

(2) Where the Commission treats a conduct matter as having been referred to it—

(a) paragraphs 10, 11 and 13 do not apply, or cease to apply, in relation to the matter except to the extent provided for by paragraph 13(7), and

(b) paragraphs 14 and 15 apply in relation to the matter as if it had been referred to the Commission by the appropriate authority under paragraph 13.

(3) The Commission must notify the following that it is treating a conduct matter as having been referred to it—

(a) the appropriate authority;

(b) except in a case where it appears to the Commission that to do so might prejudice an investigation of the matter (whether an existing investigation or a possible future one), the person to whose conduct the matter relates.

(4) Where an appropriate authority receives a notification under sub-paragraph (3) in respect of a conduct matter and the matter has not yet been recorded, the appropriate authority must record the matter.

(7) In paragraph 14A (duty to record DSI matters), omit sub-paragraph (2).

(8) In paragraph 14C (reference of DSI matters to the Commission), in sub-paragraph (3), after “occasion” insert “ , or that has been treated as having been so referred by virtue of paragraph 14CA, ” .

(9) After paragraph 14C insert—

Power of Commission to treat DSI matter as having been referred

(14CA)

(1) The Commission may treat a DSI matter that comes to its attention otherwise than by having been referred to it under paragraph 14C as having been so referred.

(2) Where the Commission treats a DSI matter as having been referred to it—

(a) paragraphs 14A and 14C do not apply, or cease to apply, in relation to the matter except to the extent provided for by paragraph 14C(3), and

(b) paragraphs 14D and 15 apply in relation to the matter as if it had been referred to the Commission by the appropriate authority under paragraph 14C.

(3) The Commission must notify the appropriate authority that it is treating a DSI matter as having been referred to it.

(4) Where an appropriate authority receives a notification under sub-paragraph (3) in respect of a DSI matter and the matter has not yet been recorded, the appropriate authority must record the matter.

(10) In section 29 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (interpretation of Part 2 of that Act), in subsection (1), in paragraph (a) of the definition of “recordable conduct matter”, for “or 11” substitute “ , 11 or 13A ” .

Section 18 IPCC power to require re-investigation

(1) In Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (complaints and misconduct), after section 13A (as inserted by section 13) insert—

Power of the Commission to require re-investigation

(13B)

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a report on an investigation of a complaint, recordable conduct matter or DSI matter carried out under the direction of the Commission has been submitted to it under paragraph 22(3) or 24A of Schedule 3, or

(b) a report on an investigation of a complaint, recordable conduct matter or DSI matter carried out by a person designated by the Commission has been submitted to it under paragraph 22(5) or 24A of Schedule 3.

(2) The Commission may at any time determine that the complaint, recordable conduct matter or DSI matter is to be re-investigated if it is satisfied that there are compelling reasons for doing so.

(3) Where the Commission makes a determination under subsection (2), it must determine that the re-investigation is to take the form of an investigation by the Commission unless subsection (4) applies, in which case the Commission must determine that the re-investigation is to take the form described in that subsection.

(4) This subsection applies where the Commission determines that it would be more appropriate for the re-investigation to take the form of an investigation by the appropriate authority under the direction of the Commission.

(5) Where—

(a) the Commission determines under subsection (3) or (7) that a re-investigation is to take the form of an investigation by the Commission, and

(b) at any time after that the Commission determines that subsection (4) applies in relation to the re-investigation,

the Commission may make a further determination under this section (to replace the earlier one) that the re-investigation is instead to take the form of an investigation by the appropriate authority under the direction of the Commission.

(6) Where the Commission determines under subsection (3) or (5) that a re-investigation is to take the form of an investigation by the appropriate authority under the direction of the Commission, the Commission must keep under review whether subsection (4) continues to apply in relation to the re-investigation.

(7) If, on such a review, the Commission determines that subsection (4) no longer applies in relation to a re-investigation, the Commission must make a further determination under this section (to replace the earlier one) that the re-investigation is instead to take the form of an investigation by the Commission.

(8) Sub-paragraphs (6) and (7) of paragraph 15 of Schedule 3 shall apply in relation to a further determination under subsection (5) or (7) as they apply in the case of a further determination under sub-paragraph (5A) or (5B) of that paragraph.

(9) The other provisions of Schedule 3 shall apply in relation to any re-investigation in pursuance of a determination under this section as they apply in relation to any investigation in pursuance of a determination under paragraph 15.

(10) The Commission shall notify the appropriate authority of any determination that it makes under this section and of its reasons for making the determination.

(11) The Commission shall also notify the following of any determination that it makes under this section and of its reasons for making the determination—

(a) every person entitled to be kept properly informed in relation to the complaint, recordable conduct matter or DSI matter (as the case may be) under section 21;

(b) where the determination is made in relation to a complaint, the complainant;

(c) the person to whose conduct the re-investigation will relate.

(12) The duty imposed by subsection (11) on the Commission shall have effect subject to such exceptions as may be provided for by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(13) Subsections (6) to (8) of section 20 apply for the purposes of subsection (12) as they apply for the purposes of that section.

(14) In relation to a matter that was formerly a DSI matter but was recorded as a conduct matter in pursuance of paragraph 21A(5) of Schedule 3, the reference in subsection (10) to the appropriate authority is a reference to the appropriate authority in relation to the person whose conduct was in question.

(15) The reference to a report in subsection (1) includes a report on a re-investigation by virtue of this section or paragraph 25 of Schedule 3.

(2) Part 3 of Schedule 3 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (handling of complaints and conduct matters etc: investigations and subsequent proceedings) is amended as follows.

(3) In paragraph 23 (action by the Commission in response to an investigation report under paragraph 22), after sub-paragraph (1) insert—

(1A) But if, following the submission of such a report, the Commission determines under section 13B that the complaint or recordable conduct matter is to be re-investigated the provisions of this paragraph other than sub-paragraph (2)(a) do not apply, or cease to apply, in relation to that report.

(4) In paragraph 24A (final reports on investigations: DSI matters), after sub-paragraph (5) (as inserted by Schedule 5) insert—

(6) But sub-paragraphs (4) and (5) and paragraphs 24B and 24C do not apply, or cease to apply, in relation to a report submitted under sub-paragraph (2) if, following the submission of the report, the Commission determines under section 13B that the DSI matter is to be re-investigated.

(5) In paragraph 27 (duties with respect to disciplinary proceedings etc), after sub-paragraph (1) insert—

(1A) But where this paragraph would otherwise apply by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(c), it does not apply, or ceases to apply, in relation to the investigation if the Commission determines under section 13B that the DSI matter is to be re-investigated.

(6) In paragraph 28B (response to recommendation by the Commission under paragraph 28A), at the end insert—

(12) This paragraph does not apply, or ceases to apply, in relation to a recommendation made by virtue of paragraph 28A(1) if the Commission determines under section 13B that the complaint, recordable conduct matter or DSI matter that the Commission received a report on is to be re-investigated.

Section 19 Sensitive information received by IPCC: restriction on disclosure

(1) Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (complaints and misconduct) is amended as follows.

(2) After section 21 insert—

Restriction on disclosure of sensitive information

(21A)

(1) Where the Commission receives information within subsection (3), the Commission must not disclose (whether under section 11, 20 or 21 or otherwise) the information, or the fact that it has been received, unless the relevant authority consents to the disclosure.

(2) Where a person appointed under paragraph 18 of Schedule 3 to investigate a complaint or matter (a “paragraph 18 investigator”) receives information within subsection (3), the paragraph 18 investigator must not disclose the information, or the fact that it has been received, to any person other than the Commission unless the relevant authority consents to the disclosure.

(3) The information is—

(a) intelligence service information;

(b) protected information relating to a relevant warrant;

(c) information obtained from a government department which, at the time it is provided to the Commission or the paragraph 18 investigator, is identified by the department as information the disclosure of which may, in the opinion of the relevant authority—

(i) cause damage to national security, international relations or the economic interests of the United Kingdom or any part of the United Kingdom, or

(ii) jeopardise the safety of any person.

(4) Where the Commission or a paragraph 18 investigator discloses to another person information within subsection (3), or the fact that the Commission or the paragraph 18 investigator has received it, the other person must not disclose that information or that fact unless the relevant authority consents to the disclosure.

(5) In this section—

“ government department ” means a department of Her Majesty's Government but does not include—

the Security Service,

the Secret Intelligence Service, or

the Government Communications Headquarters (“ GCHQ ”);

“ intelligence service information ” means information that was obtained (directly or indirectly) from or that relates to—

the Security Service,

the Secret Intelligence Service,

GCHQ, or

any part of Her Majesty's forces, or of the Ministry of Defence, which engages in intelligence activities;

“ Minister of the Crown ” includes the Treasury;

“ paragraph 18 investigator ” has the meaning given by subsection (2);

“ protected information ”, in relation to a relevant warrant, means information relating to any of the matters mentioned in section 57(4) of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 in relation to the warrant;

“ relevant authority ” means—

in the case of intelligence service information obtained (directly or indirectly) from or relating to the Security Service, the Director-General of the Security Service;

in the case of intelligence service information obtained (directly or indirectly) from or relating to the Secret Intelligence Service, the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service;

in the case of intelligence service information obtained (directly or indirectly) from or relating to GCHQ, the Director of GCHQ;

in the case of intelligence service information obtained (directly or indirectly) from or relating to Her Majesty's forces or the Ministry of Defence, the Secretary of State;

in the case of protected information relating to a relevant warrant, the person to whom the relevant warrant is or was addressed;

in the case of information within subsection (3)(c)—

the Secretary of State, or

the Minister of the Crown in charge of the government department from which the information was obtained (if that Minister is not a Secretary of State);

“ relevant warrant ” means—

a warrant under Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, or

a warrant under Chapter 1 of Part 6 of that Act.

Provision of sensitive information to the Commission and certain investigators

(21B)

(1) A person who provides information that is intelligence service information or protected information relating to a relevant warrant to the Commission or a paragraph 18 investigator (whether under a provision of this Part or otherwise) must—

(a) make the Commission or the paragraph 18 investigator aware that the information is intelligence service information or (as the case may be) protected information relating to a relevant warrant, and

(b) provide the Commission or the paragraph 18 investigator with such additional information as will enable the Commission or the paragraph 18 investigator to identify the relevant authority in relation to the information.

(2) In this section, “ intelligence service information ”, “ protected information relating to a relevant warrant ”, “ paragraph 18 investigator ” and “ relevant authority ” have the same meaning as in section 21A.

(3) In Schedule 3 (handling of complaints and conduct matters etc), in Part 3 (investigations and subsequent proceedings)—

(a) omit paragraph 19ZD (sensitive information: restriction on further disclosure of information received under an information notice);

(b) in paragraph 22 (final reports on investigations: complaints, conduct matters and certain DSI matters)—

(i) after sub-paragraph (6) insert—

(6A) Where a person would contravene section 21A by submitting, or (as the case may be) sending a copy of, a report in its entirety to the appropriate authority under sub-paragraph (2) or (3)(b), the person must instead submit, or send a copy of, the report after having removed or obscured the information which by virtue of section 21A the person must not disclose.

(ii) in sub-paragraph (8), at the end insert “ except so far as the person is prevented from doing so by section 21A ” ;

(c) in paragraph 23 (action by the Commission in response to an investigation report under paragraph 22)—

(i) in sub-paragraph (1A) (as inserted by section 18), after “sub-paragraph (2)(a)” insert “ (read with sub-paragraph (2ZA)) ” ;

(ii) after sub-paragraph (2) insert—

(2ZA) Where the Commission would contravene section 21A by sending a copy of a report in its entirety to the appropriate authority under sub-paragraph (2)(a) or to the Director of Public Prosecutions under sub-paragraph (2)(c), the Commission must instead send a copy of the report after having removed or obscured the information which by virtue of section 21A the Commission must not disclose.

(d) in paragraph 24A (final reports on investigations: other DSI matters), after sub-paragraph (3) insert—

(3A) Where a person would contravene section 21A by sending a copy of a report in its entirety to the appropriate authority under sub-paragraph (2)(b), the person must instead send a copy of the report after having removed or obscured the information which by virtue of section 21A the person must not disclose.

(e) in paragraph 24B (action by the Commission in response to an investigation report under paragraph 24A), after sub-paragraph (1) insert—

(1A) Sub-paragraph (3A) of paragraph 24A applies for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) of this paragraph as it applies for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(b) of that paragraph.

Section 20 Investigations by IPCC: powers of seizure and retention

(1) In Schedule 3 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (handling of complaints and conduct matters etc), in Part 3 (investigations and subsequent proceedings), before paragraph 19A insert—

Investigations by the Commission: power of seizure

(19ZE)

(1) The powers conferred by this paragraph are exercisable by a person—

(a) who is designated under paragraph 19(2) in relation to an investigation (the “designated person”), and

(b) who is lawfully on any premises for the purposes of the investigation.

(2) The designated person may seize anything which is on the premises if the designated person has reasonable grounds for believing—

(a) that it is evidence relating to the conduct or other matter to which the investigation relates, and

(b) that it is necessary to seize it in order to prevent the evidence being concealed, lost, altered or destroyed.

(3) The designated person may require any information which is stored in any electronic form and is accessible from the premises to be produced in a form in which it can be taken away and in which it is visible and legible, or from which it can readily be produced in a visible and legible form, if the designated person has reasonable grounds for believing—

(a) that it is evidence relating to the conduct or other matter to which the investigation relates, and

(b) that it is necessary to do so in order to prevent the evidence being concealed, lost, tampered with or destroyed.

(4) The powers conferred by this paragraph do not authorise the seizure of an item which the designated person exercising the power has reasonable grounds for believing to be an item subject to legal privilege within the meaning of the 1984 Act (see section 10 of that Act).

(5) Where a designated person has the power to seize a thing or require information to be produced under this paragraph and under section 19 of the 1984 Act (by virtue of section 97(8) of the 1996 Act or paragraph 19(4)), the designated person is to be treated for all purposes as acting in exercise of the power conferred by section 19 of the 1984 Act.

(6) In this paragraph “ premises ” has the same meaning as in the 1984 Act (see section 23 of that Act).

Further provision about seizure under paragraph 19ZE

(19ZF)

(1) This paragraph applies where a designated person seizes anything under paragraph 19ZE(2).

(2) The designated person must provide a notice in relation to the thing seized if requested to do so by a person showing himself—

(a) to be the occupier of the premises on which it was seized, or

(b) to have had custody or control of it immediately before the seizure.

(3) The notice must state what has been seized and the reason for its seizure.

(4) The notice must be provided within a reasonable time from the making of the request for it.

(5) In this paragraph “ designated person ” has the same meaning as in paragraph 19ZE.

Investigations by the Commission: power of retention

(19ZG)

(1) This paragraph applies to anything which, for the purposes of an investigation in accordance with paragraph 19—

(a) has been seized under paragraph 19ZE(2) or taken away following a requirement imposed under paragraph 19ZE(3), or

(b) is otherwise lawfully in the possession of the Commission.

(2) Anything to which this paragraph applies may be retained by the Commission for as long as is necessary in all the circumstances, including (amongst other things) so that it may be used as evidence in criminal or disciplinary proceedings or in an inquest held under Part 1 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.

(3) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2), the retention of anything to which this paragraph applies is not necessary if having a photograph or copy of the thing would suffice (and the Commission may arrange for the thing to be photographed or copied before it ceases to be retained).

Further provision about things retained under paragraph 19ZG

(19ZH)

(1) This paragraph applies to anything which—

(a) has been seized (whether under paragraph 19ZE(2) or otherwise), and

(b) is being retained by the Commission under paragraph 19ZG.

(2) If a request for permission to be granted access to a thing to which this paragraph applies is made to the Commission by—

(a) a person who had custody or control of the thing immediately before it was seized, or

(b) someone acting on behalf of such a person,

the Commission must allow the person who made the request access to it under the supervision of a member of the Commission's staff.

(3) Sub-paragraph (4) applies if a request for a photograph or copy of a thing to which this paragraph applies is made to the Commission by—

(a) a person who had custody or control of the thing immediately before it was seized, or

(b) someone acting on behalf of such a person.

(4) The Commission must either—

(a) allow the person who made the request access to the thing under the supervision of a member of the Commission's staff for the purpose of photographing or copying it, or

(b) arrange for the thing to be photographed or copied.

(5) If the Commission acts under sub-paragraph (4)(b), the Commission must supply the photograph or copy to the person who made the request within a reasonable time from the making of the request.

(6) The Commission is not obliged to do anything in response to a request under sub-paragraph (2) or (3) if the Commission has reasonable grounds for believing that to do so would prejudice—

(a) any investigation being carried out in accordance with this Schedule, or

(b) any criminal or disciplinary proceedings or any inquest held under Part 1 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.

(2) In section 21 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (access and copying), at the end insert—

(10) The references to a constable in subsections (1) and (2) do not include a constable who has seized a thing under paragraph 19ZE of Schedule 3 to the Police Reform Act 2002.

Section 21 References to England and Wales in connection with IPCC functions

(1) In section 29 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (interpretation of Part 2), at the end insert—

(8) References in sections 26, 26BA and 26C to England and Wales include the sea and other waters within the seaward limits of the territorial sea adjacent to England and Wales.

(2) In section 28 of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 (complaints and misconduct: England and Wales), in subsection (6), at the end insert “ , including the sea and other waters within the seaward limits of the territorial sea adjacent to England and Wales ” .

(3) In section 41 of the Police and Justice Act 2006 (immigration and asylum enforcement functions and customs functions: complaints and misconduct), in subsection (7), at the end insert “ , including the sea and other waters within the seaward limits of the territorial sea adjacent to England and Wales ” .

Section 22 Oversight functions of local policing bodies

(1) In section 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (police and crime commissioners), in subsection (8) (duty to hold chief constable to account), after paragraph (c) insert—

(ca) the exercise of the chief constable's functions under Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 in relation to the handling of complaints;

(2) In section 3 of that Act (Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime), in subsection (8) (duty to hold Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to account), after paragraph (c) insert—

(ca) the exercise of the Commissioner's functions under Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 in relation to the handling of complaints;

(3) In section 6ZA of the Police Act 1996 (power to confer particular functions on the Common Council), in subsection (2), after paragraph (a) insert—

(aa) to hold the Commissioner of Police for the City of London to account for the exercise of the Commissioner's functions under Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 in relation to the handling of complaints;

Section 23 Delegation of functions by local policing bodies

(1) In section 23 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (Part 2 regulations), in subsection (2), after paragraph (p) insert—

(pa) for local policing bodies to have power to delegate the exercise or performance of powers and duties conferred or imposed on them by or under this Part (including powers and duties that are acquired by virtue of giving a notice under section 13A);

(2) In section 18 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (delegation of functions by police and crime commissioners), in subsection (3), after paragraph (a) insert—

(aa) arrange, under subsection (1)(b) or (2), for the deputy police and crime commissioner or any other person to exercise a function that the police and crime commissioner has under or by virtue of Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (see instead section 23(2)(pa) of that Act and regulations made under that provision);

(3) In section 19 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (delegation of functions by Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime), in subsection (3), after paragraph (a) insert—

(aa) arrange, under subsection (1)(b) or (2), for the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime or any other person to exercise a function that the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime has under or by virtue of Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (see instead section 23(2)(pa) of that Act and regulations made under that provision);

(4) In section 107 of the Local Government Act 1972 (application of sections 101 to 106 of that Act to the Common Council)—

(a) in subsection (2), omit the words from the beginning to “and” in the first place it occurs;

(b) after subsection (2) insert—

(2A) The Common Council may not, under section 101(1)(a), arrange for any person to exercise a function that the Common Council has under or by virtue of Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (see instead section 23(2)(pa) of that Act and regulations made under that provision).

Section 24 Transfer of staff to local policing bodies

(1) A local policing body may make one or more schemes for the transfer to itself from the chief officer of police of the police force maintained by the local policing body of rights and liabilities under, or in connection with, a relevant contract of employment provided that the condition in subsection (2) is satisfied in relation to each such scheme.

(2) The condition referred to in subsection (1) is that it is desirable to make the scheme to enable the local policing body to discharge functions that are, or are to be, conferred on it under or by virtue of the Police Reform Act 2002 as a result of the amendments of that Act made by section 13 of, and paragraph 39 of Schedule 5 to, this Act.

(3) For the purposes of this section a contract of employment is a relevant contract of employment if it is a contract of employment of a member of the civilian staff of the police force (within the meaning of Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011) and the staff member is not designated under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

(4) The local policing body must obtain the consent of the chief officer of police to the making of the scheme.

(5) Where the chief officer of police does not consent to the making of the scheme, the local policing body may make the scheme notwithstanding subsection (4) if the Secretary of State consents to the making of the scheme.

(6) A scheme under subsection (1) must make provision that has the same or similar effect as the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/246) (so far as those regulations do not apply in relation to the transfer).

Section 25 Power to make super-complaints

After Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (complaints and misconduct) insert—

Super-complaints

Power to make super-complaints

(29A)

(1) A designated body may make a complaint to Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary that a feature, or combination of features, of policing in England and Wales by one or more than one police force is, or appears to be, significantly harming the interests of the public.

(2) See section 29B for the meaning of “designated body”.

(3) In this section-

“ England and Wales ” includes the adjacent United Kingdom waters within the meaning of section 30 of the Police Act 1996,

“ police force ” means any of the following—

the metropolitan police force,

a police force maintained under section 2 of the Police Act 1996 (police forces in England and Wales outside London),

the National Crime Agency,

the City of London police force,

the Ministry of Defence Police,

the Civil Nuclear Constabulary,

the British Transport Police.

Section 26 Bodies who may make super-complaints

In Part 2A of the Police Reform Act 2002, after section 29A (for which see section 25 above), insert—

Bodies who may make super-complaints

(29B)

(1) In this Part “ designated body ” means a body designated in regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(2) The Secretary of State—

(a) may make or revoke such a designation if the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to do so, and

(b) must make or revoke such a designation if asked to do so by an authorised person.

(3) The Secretary of State must, in deciding whether to act under subsection (2)(a), apply criteria specified or described in regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(4) The authorised person must, in deciding whether to ask the Secretary of State to act under subsection (2)(b), apply criteria specified or described in regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(5) The Secretary of State must, before making regulations under subsection (3) or (4), consult such persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(6) In this section “ authorised person ” means any person specified or described in regulations made by the Secretary of State.

Section 27 Regulations about super-complaints

(1) In Part 2A of the Police Reform Act 2002, after section 29B (for which see section 26 above), insert—

Regulations about super-complaints

(29C)

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about complaints under section 29A.

(2) Such provision may, in particular, include provision about—

(a) the procedure for dealing with a matter before a complaint is made under section 29A (including who is to deal with the matter),

(b) the procedure for dealing with a complaint under section 29A (including who is to deal with the matter),

(c) whether, or the extent to which, a matter is to be dealt with under this Part or Part 2.

(3) Regulations under this section may—

(a) confer (or enable the conferring of) functions on Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, the College of Policing or any other person,

(b) apply (with or without modifications), in relation to any matter to be dealt with by the Independent Police Complaints Commission under this Part, any provision made by or under Part 2.

(2) After section 10(3) of that Act (general functions of the Commission) insert—

(3A) The Commission also has any functions conferred on it by regulations under section 29C of this Act (regulations about super-complaints).

Section 28 Investigations by the IPCC: whistle-blowing

(1) After Part 2A of the Police Reform Act 2002 (for which see sections 25 to 27 above) insert—

Investigation of concerns raised by whistle-blowers

Power to investigate concerns raised by whistle-blowers

(29D)

(1) The Commission may investigate any concern raised by a whistle-blower of which it becomes aware (whether because the whistle-blower has contacted the Commission or for any other reason) but only if the whistle-blower informs the Commission, before the beginning of the investigation, that he or she consents to an investigation taking place.

(2) In deciding whether to investigate, the Commission must take into account the public interest.

(3) For the purposes of this Part, a person is a “whistle-blower” if—

(a) the person is, or was at any time, under the direction and control of a chief officer of police,

(b) the person raises a concern that is about a police force or a person serving with the police,

(c) the matter to which the concern relates is not—

(i) about the conditions of service of persons serving with the police, or

(ii) a matter that is, or could be, the subject of a complaint by the person under Part 2, and

(d) at the time the Commission first becomes aware of the concern, the matter to which it relates is not—

(i) under investigation under the direction of the Commission in accordance with paragraph 18 of Schedule 3,

(ii) under investigation by the Commission in accordance with paragraph 19 of that Schedule,

(iii) being dealt with as a complaint under section 29A under regulations under section 29C (regulations about super-complaints), or

(iv) under investigation under this Part.

(4) Subsection (1) is subject to section 29F (which deals with the position where the concern is a conduct matter for the purposes of Part 2) and to section 29G (which deals with the position where the concern is a DSI matter for the purposes of that Part).

(5) Schedule 3A (which makes provision about the procedure etc where the Commission decides to investigate under subsection (1)) has effect.

Commission's powers and duties where it decides not to investigate

(29E)

(1) If the Commission decides not to carry out an investigation under section 29D(1), the Commission must inform the whistle-blower of the decision.

(2) In such a case, the Commission may, with the consent of the whistle-blower—

(a) disclose the nature of the concern to the appropriate authority, and

(b) make recommendations in the light of the concern.

(3) In this Part, except where otherwise provided, “ appropriate authority ” means—

(a) if the concern relates to a chief officer or an acting chief officer, the local policing body for the area of the police force of which he or she is a member;

(b) if the concern relates to any other person, the chief officer under whose direction and control that person is;

(c) if the concern does not relate to any particular persons, the chief officer of the police force to which the concern relates.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision about recommendations under subsection (2).

(5) The regulations may (amongst other things)—

(a) describe the kinds of recommendations that the Commission may make under subsection (2);

(b) specify the persons to whom the recommendations may be made;

(c) authorise the Commission to require a response to any recommendation made by the Commission under subsection (2).

Special provision for “conduct matters”

(29F)

(1) Before deciding whether to carry out an investigation under section 29D(1), the Commission must consider whether the concern is about a conduct matter for the purposes of Part 2 (see section 12(2)).

(2) If the Commission determines that the concern is about a conduct matter for the purposes of Part 2—

(a) it may not carry out an investigation under section 29D(1), and

(b) it must notify the appropriate authority in relation to the person whose conduct is in question of its determination.

(3) Where the appropriate authority in relation to the person whose conduct is in question is notified under subsection (2), it must record the matter under paragraph 11 of Schedule 3 to this Act as a conduct matter.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision modifying Schedule 3 in relation to a conduct matter that, in accordance with subsection (3), is recorded under paragraph 11 of that Schedule but only for the purpose of making provision for the protection of the anonymity of whistle-blowers.

Special provision for “DSI matters”

(29G)

(1) Before deciding whether to carry out an investigation under section 29D(1), the Commission must consider whether the concern is about a death or serious injury matter (“a DSI matter”) for the purposes of Part 2 (see section 12(2A)).

(2) If the Commission determines that the concern is about a DSI matter for the purposes of Part 2—

(a) it may not carry out an investigation under section 29D(1), and

(b) it must notify the appropriate authority in relation to the DSI matter.

(3) Where the appropriate authority in relation to the DSI matter is notified under subsection (2), it must record the matter under paragraph 14A of Schedule 3 to this Act as a DSI matter.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision modifying Schedule 3 in relation to a DSI matter that, in accordance with subsection (3), is recorded under paragraph 14A of that Schedule but only for the purpose of making provision for the protection of the anonymity of whistle-blowers.

(5) In this section, references to the appropriate authority in relation to a DSI matter have the same meaning as in Part 2 (see section 29).

Commission's powers and duties where whistle-blower is deceased

(29H)

(1) The power of the Commission to carry out an investigation under section 29D(1) applies where the whistle-blower dies before the Commission becomes aware of the concern (or before it decides to investigate).

(2) Any investigation begun by the Commission under section 29D(1) before the death of the whistle-blower may be continued after the death.

(3) Where a whistle-blower dies—

(a) any requirement under this Part to obtain the consent of the whistle-blower may be satisfied by obtaining the consent of that person's approved representative;

(b) any requirement under this Part to give any document or other information to the whistle-blower may be satisfied by giving the document or other information to the person's approved representative;

(c) any requirement under this Part not to disclose the identity of the whistle-blower does not apply or (where the Commission became aware of the concern before the death) ceases to apply.

(4) For the purpose of this section, “ approved representative ” means a person who has been approved by the Commission for the purposes of this Part.

(5) The Commission may only approve a person who is—

(a) the widow or widower (or surviving civil partner) of the deceased whistle-blower,

(b) a personal representative (within the meaning of section 55(1)(xi) of the Administration of Estates Act 1925) of the deceased whistle-blower, or

(c) any other person appearing to the Commission to have, by reason of a family or similar relationship with the deceased whistle-blower, a relevant interest in the outcome of the concern.

Duty to keep whistle-blowers informed

(29I)

(1) Where the Commission carries out an investigation under section 29D(1), it must keep the whistle-blower properly informed about the progress of the investigation and its outcome.

(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide for exceptions to the duty under subsection (1).

(3) The power conferred by subsection (2) may be exercised only to the extent that the Secretary of State considers necessary for any of the permitted non-disclosure purposes.

(4) “The permitted non-disclosure purposes” are—

(a) preventing the premature or inappropriate disclosure of information that is relevant to, or may be used in, any actual or prospective criminal proceedings;

(b) preventing the disclosure of information in any circumstances in which it has been determined in accordance with the regulations that its non-disclosure—

(i) is in the interests of national security,

(ii) is for the purposes of the prevention or detection of crime or the apprehension or prosecution of offenders,

(iii) is for the purposes of the investigation of an allegation of misconduct against the whistle-blower or the taking of disciplinary proceedings or other appropriate action in relation to such an allegation,

(iv) is for the purposes of an investigation under Part 2 that relates to the whistle-blower,

(v) is required on proportionality grounds, or

(vi) is otherwise necessary in the public interest.

(5) The non-disclosure of information is required on proportionality grounds if its disclosure would cause, directly or indirectly, an adverse effect which would be disproportionate to the benefits arising from its disclosure.

Protection of anonymity of whistle-blowers

(29J)

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision setting out the circumstances in which the Commission is required or authorised to disclose information falling within subsection (2) (or any particular description of such information) to persons specified, or of a description specified, in the regulations.

(2) The information falling within this subsection is—

(a) the identity of a whistle-blower or information that might (whether alone or with other information) tend to reveal that identity;

(b) the nature of a concern raised by a whistle-blower.

(3) The power conferred by subsection (1) may be exercised only to the extent that the Secretary of State considers necessary for any of the permitted disclosure purposes.

(4) “The permitted disclosure purposes” are—

(a) the protection of the interests of national security;

(b) the prevention or detection of crime or the apprehension of offenders;

(c) the institution or conduct of criminal proceedings;

(d) the investigation of allegations of misconduct against whistle-blowers and the taking of disciplinary proceedings or other appropriate action in relation to such allegations;

(e) investigations under Part 2 that relate to whistle-blowers;

(f) investigations under this Part;

(g) any other purpose that is for the protection of the public interest.

(5) Except as provided by regulations under subsection (1) or by any other provision of this Part, the Commission may not disclose information falling within subsection (2) unless the whistle-blower consents to the disclosure.

Other restrictions on disclosure of information

(29K)

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision setting out the circumstances in which the Commission is required or authorised to disclose information falling within subsection (2) (or any particular description of such information) to persons specified, or of a description specified, in the regulations.

(2) The information falling within this subsection is—

(a) information relating to an investigation under section 29D;

(b) information relating to the outcome of any such investigation.

(3) The power conferred by subsection (1) may be exercised only to the extent that the Secretary of State considers necessary for any of the permitted disclosure purposes.

(4) In this section, “ the permitted disclosure purposes ” has the same meaning as in section 29J.

(5) Except as provided by regulations under subsection (1) or by any other provision of this Part, the Commission may not disclose information falling within subsection (2).

Application of provisions of Part 2

(29L)

(1) The following provisions of Part 2 apply in relation to the functions of the Commission under this Part as they apply in relation to the functions of the Commission under Part 2—

(a) section 15 (general duties of local policing bodies, chief officers and inspectors);

(b) section 16 (payment for assistance with investigation);

(c) section 17 (provision of information to the Commission);

(d) section 18 (inspection of police premises on behalf of the Commission);

(e) section 19 (use of investigatory powers by or on behalf of the Commission);

(f) section 21A (restriction on disclosure of sensitive information);

(g) section 21B (provision of sensitive information to the Commission);

(h) section 22 (power of the Commission to issue guidance);

(i) section 26 (forces maintained otherwise than by local policing bodies);

(j) section 26BA (College of Policing);

(k) section 26C (the National Crime Agency).

(2) Except as provided by subsection (1), the provision made by sections 15 to 29 of Part 2 does not apply in relation to the functions of the Commission under this Part.

Regulation-making powers: consultation

(29M) Before making regulations under this Part, the Secretary of State must consult—

(a) the Commission,

(b) such persons as appear to the Secretary of State to represent the views of police and crime commissioners,

(c) the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime;

(d) the Common Council,

(e) the National Police Chiefs' Council, and

(f) such other persons as the Secretary of State thinks fit.

Interpretation

(29N)

(1) In this Part—

“ the Commission ” means the Independent Police Complaints Commission;

“ appropriate authority ” has the meaning given by section 29E(3);

“ chief officer ” means the chief officer of police of any police force; and “ acting chief officer ” means (as appropriate)—

a person exercising or performing functions of a chief constable in accordance with section 41 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011,

a person exercising powers or duties of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis in accordance with section 44 or 45(4) of that Act, or

a person exercising duties of the Commissioner of Police for the City of London in accordance with section 25 of the City of London Police Act 1839;

“ conduct ” has the same meaning as in Part 2 (see section 29(1));

“ whistle-blower ” has the meaning given by section 29D(3).

(2) References in this Part to a person serving with the police have the same meaning as in Part 2 (see section 12(7)).

(2) After Schedule 3 to the Police Reform Act 2002 insert the new Schedule 3A set out in Schedule 6 to this Act.

(3) In section 10 of that Act, after subsection (3A) (for which see section 27 above), insert—

(3B) The Commission also has the functions which are conferred on it by Part 2B (whistle-blowing).

(4) In section 105 of that Act, in subsection (5), after “Part 2” insert “ or 2B ” .

(5) In section 63 of the Police Act 1996 (Police Advisory Board for England and Wales), in subsection (3)(b), after “Part 2” insert “ or 2B ” .

Section 29 Disciplinary proceedings: former members of police forces and former special constables

(1) The Police Act 1996 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 50 (regulations for police forces), after subsection (3) (regulations concerning disciplinary proceedings) insert—

(3A) Regulations under this section may provide for the procedures that are established by or under regulations made by virtue of subsection (3) to apply (with or without modifications) in respect of the conduct, efficiency or effectiveness of any person where—

(a) an allegation relating to the conduct, efficiency or effectiveness of the person comes to the attention of a chief officer of police, a local policing body or the Independent Police Complaints Commission,

(b) at the time of the alleged misconduct, inefficiency or ineffectiveness the person was a member of a police force, and

(c) condition A, B or C is satisfied in relation to the person.

(3B) Condition A is that the person ceases to be a member of a police force after the allegation first comes to the attention of a person mentioned in subsection (3A)(a).

(3C) Condition B is that the person had ceased to be a member of a police force before the allegation first came to the attention of a person mentioned in subsection (3A)(a) but the period between the person having ceased to be a member of a police force and the allegation first coming to the attention of a person mentioned in subsection (3A)(a) does not exceed the period specified in regulations under this section.

(3D) Condition C is that—

(a) the person had ceased to be a member of a police force before the allegation first came to the attention of a person mentioned in subsection (3A)(a),

(b) the period between the person having ceased to be a member of a police force and the allegation first coming to the attention of a person mentioned in subsection (3A)(a) exceeds the period specified for the purposes of condition B, and

(c) the alleged misconduct, inefficiency or ineffectiveness is such that, if proved, the person could have been dealt with by dismissal if the person had still been a member of a police force.

(3E) Regulations made by virtue of subsection (3A) as they apply in a case where condition C is satisfied in relation to a person must provide that disciplinary proceedings may be taken against the person in respect of the alleged misconduct, inefficiency or ineffectiveness only if the Independent Police Complaints Commission determines that taking such proceedings would be reasonable and proportionate having regard to—

(a) the seriousness of the alleged misconduct, inefficiency or ineffectiveness,

(b) the impact of the allegation on public confidence in the police, and

(c) the public interest.

(3F) Regulations made by virtue of subsection (3A) may make provision about matters to be taken into account by the Independent Police Complaints Commission for the purposes of subsection (3E)(a) to (c).

(3G) Regulations made by virtue of subsection (3A) must provide that disciplinary proceedings which are not the first disciplinary proceedings to be taken against the person in respect of the alleged misconduct, inefficiency or ineffectiveness may be taken only if they result from a re-investigation of the allegation (whether carried out under regulations under this section or under the Police Reform Act 2002) that begins within the period specified in the regulations.

The period specified must begin with the date when the person ceased to be a member of a police force.

(3) In section 51 (regulations for special constables), after subsection (2A) (regulations concerning disciplinary proceedings) insert—

(2B) Regulations under this section may provide for the procedures that are established by or under regulations made by virtue of subsection (2A) to apply (with or without modifications) in respect of the conduct, efficiency or effectiveness of any person where—

(a) an allegation relating to the conduct, efficiency or effectiveness of the person comes to the attention of a chief officer of police, a local policing body or the Independent Police Complaints Commission,

(b) at the time of the alleged misconduct, inefficiency or ineffectiveness the person was a special constable, and

(c) condition A, B or C is satisfied in relation to the person.

(2C) Condition A is that the person ceases to be a special constable after the allegation first comes to the attention of a person mentioned in subsection (2B)(a).

(2D) Condition B is that the person had ceased to be a special constable before the allegation first came to the attention of a person mentioned in subsection (2B)(a) but the period between the person having ceased to be a special constable and the allegation first coming to the attention of a person mentioned in subsection (2B)(a) does not exceed the period specified in regulations under this section.

(2E) Condition C is that—

(a) the person had ceased to be a special constable before the allegation first came to the attention of a person mentioned in subsection (2B)(a),

(b) the period between the person having ceased to be a special constable and the allegation first coming to the attention of a person mentioned in subsection (2B)(a) exceeds the period specified for the purposes of condition B, and

(c) the alleged misconduct, inefficiency or ineffectiveness is such that, if proved, the person could have been dealt with by dismissal if the person had still been a special constable.

(2F) Regulations made by virtue of subsection (2B) as they apply in a case where condition C is satisfied in relation to a person must provide that disciplinary proceedings may be taken against the person in respect of the alleged misconduct, inefficiency or ineffectiveness only if the Independent Police Complaints Commission determines that taking such proceedings would be reasonable and proportionate having regard to—

(a) the seriousness of the alleged misconduct, inefficiency or ineffectiveness,

(b) the impact of the allegation on public confidence in the police, and

(c) the public interest.

(2G) Regulations made by virtue of subsection (2B) may make provision about matters to be taken into account by the Independent Police Complaints Commission for the purposes of subsection (2F)(a) to (c).

(2H) Regulations made by virtue of subsection (2B) must provide that disciplinary proceedings which are not the first disciplinary proceedings to be taken against the person in respect of the alleged misconduct, inefficiency or ineffectiveness may be taken only if they result from a re-investigation of the allegation (whether carried out under regulations under this section or under the Police Reform Act 2002) that begins within the period specified in the regulations.

The period specified must begin with the date when the person ceased to be a special constable.

(4) In section 84 (representation etc at disciplinary and other proceedings)—

(a) in subsection (1)—

(i) after “50(3)” insert “ or (3A) ” ;

(ii) after “51(2A)” insert “ or (2B) ” ;

(b) in subsection (4)—

(i) in the definition of “the officer concerned”, after “constable” insert “ or, as the case may be, the former member of a police force or the former special constable, ” ;

(ii) in the definition of “relevant authority”, after “authority”” insert “ , in relation to proceedings conducted under regulations made in pursuance of section 50(3) or section 51(2A), ” ;

(iii) after the definition of “relevant authority” insert—

“ relevant authority ”, in relation to proceedings conducted under regulations made in pursuance of section 50(3A) or section 51(2B), means—

(a) where the officer concerned is a former member of a police force (other than a former chief officer of police), or a former special constable, the chief officer of police of the police force of which the officer was last a member, or for which the officer was last appointed as a special constable;

(b) where the officer concerned is a former chief officer of police, the local policing body for the police force of which the officer was last a member;

(5) In section 85 (appeals against dismissal etc), in subsection (1), after “constable” insert “ , or a former member of a police force or a former special constable, ” .

(6) In Schedule 6 (appeals to Police Appeals Tribunals), in paragraph 10—

(a) in paragraph (b), before “means” insert “ , except in relation to an appeal under section 85 that relates to proceedings conducted under regulations made in pursuance of section 50(3A) or section 51(2B), ” ;

(b) after paragraph (b) insert—

(ba) the relevant local policing body”, in relation to an appeal under section 85 that relates to proceedings conducted under regulations made in pursuance of section 50(3A) or section 51(2B), means the local policing body which maintains—

(i) the police force of which the appellant was last a member, or

(ii) the police force for the area for which the appellant was last appointed as a special constable,

as the case may be.

(7) Regulations made in pursuance of section 50(3A) or 51(2B) of the Police Act 1996 (as inserted by subsections (2) and (3))—

(a) may not make provision in relation to a person who ceases to be a member of a police force or a special constable (as the case may be) before the coming into force of subsections (2) and (3);

(b) may make provision in relation to a person who ceases to be a member of a police force or a special constable (as the case may be) after the coming into force of this section even though the alleged misconduct, inefficiency or ineffectiveness occurred at a time before the coming into force of subsections (2) and (3), but only if the alleged misconduct, inefficiency or ineffectiveness is such that, if proved, there could be a finding in relation to the person in disciplinary proceedings that the person would have been dismissed if the person had still been a member of a police force or a special constable.

(8) Schedule 7 makes amendments of the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987, the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 and the Energy Act 2004 which produce an equivalent effect to the amendments made by this section.

Section 30 Police barred list and police advisory list

(1) After Part 4 of the Police Act 1996, insert the Part set out in Schedule 8 to this Act.

(2) In consequence of the new Part 4A of the Police Act 1996 (as inserted by Schedule 8), the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 is amended as follows.

(3) In section 42 (appointment of Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis), after subsection (3A) insert—

(3AA) But a person who would be eligible for appointment by virtue of subsection (3A) is not eligible for appointment at a time when the person is included in the police barred list maintained under section 88B of the Police Act 1996.

(4) In section 43 (Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis), after subsection (3) insert—

(3A) The Secretary of State may not recommend to Her Majesty that She appoint a person as the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis unless that person is eligible for appointment.

(3B) A person is not eligible for appointment at a time when the person is included in the police barred list maintained under section 88B of the Police Act 1996.

(5) In Part 1 of Schedule 8 (appointment of Chief Constables), in paragraph 1—

(a) the existing text becomes sub-paragraph (1);

(b) after that sub-paragraph insert—

(2) The police and crime commissioner also has duties under section 88C of the Police Act 1996 (effect of inclusion in police barred list) in relation to the appointment of a chief constable.

(6) The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument make provision that—

(a) corresponds or is similar to that made by or under Part 4A of the Police Act 1996 (as inserted by Schedule 8), and

(b) relates to a person who is, or has been, employed or appointed by a person with functions of a public nature exercisable in, or in relation to, England and Wales that relate to policing or law enforcement (other than a chief officer of police or a local policing body, within the meaning of the Police Act 1996).

(7) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (6) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Section 31 Appeals to Police Appeals Tribunals

(1) Schedule 6 to the Police Act 1996 (appeals to Police Appeals Tribunals) is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph 1 (appeal by a senior officer), in sub-paragraph (1), in the words before paragraph (a), for “Secretary of State” substitute “ relevant person ” .

(3) In paragraph 2 (appeal by a member of a police force other than a senior officer or by a special constable), in sub-paragraph (1)—

(a) in the words before paragraph (a), for “relevant local policing body” substitute “ relevant person ” ;

(b) omit paragraph (d);

(c) at the end insert—

(e) one shall be a lay person.

(4) After paragraph 2 insert—

(2A)

(1) For the purposes of paragraphs 1 and 2, “ the relevant person ” means the person determined in accordance with rules made by the Secretary of State.

(2) Rules under sub-paragraph (1) may make—

(a) different provision for different cases and circumstances;

(b) provision for the relevant person to be able to delegate the power to appoint the members of a tribunal.

(3) A statutory instrument containing rules under sub-paragraph (1) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(5) In paragraph 10 (interpretation)—

(a) after paragraph (a) insert—

(aa) lay person” means a person who is not, and has never been—

(i) a member of a police force or a special constable,

(ii) a member of the civilian staff of a police force, including the metropolitan police force, within the meaning of Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (see section 102(4) and (6) of that Act),

(iii) a person employed by the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as police authority who is under the direction and control of the Commissioner of Police for the City of London,

(iv) a police and crime commissioner,

(v) a member of staff of a police and crime commissioner, or of the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime, within the meaning of Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (see section 102(3) and (5) of that Act),

(vi) a constable within the meaning of Part 1 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (2012 asp 8) (see section 99 of that Act),

(vii) a member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland or the Police Service of Northern Ireland Reserve,

(viii) a member of the British Transport Police Force or a special constable appointed under section 25 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003,

(ix) an employee of the British Transport Police Authority appointed under section 27 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003,

(x) a member of the Ministry of Defence Police,

(xi) a person (other than a member of the Ministry of Defence Police) who is under the direction and control of the chief constable for the Ministry of Defence Police,

(xii) a member of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, or

(xiii) an employee of the Civil Nuclear Police Authority appointed under paragraph 6 of Schedule 10 to the Energy Act 2004,

(b) omit sub-paragraph (c).

(6) In consequence of the other provision made by this section—

(a) in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, in Part 1 of Schedule 22, omit paragraph 11(6)(b);

(b) in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, in Part 1 of Schedule 16, omit paragraph 47(2)(b).

Section 32 Guidance concerning disciplinary proceedings and conduct etc

(1) Section 87 of the Police Act 1996 (guidance concerning disciplinary proceedings etc) is amended as follows.

(2) For subsections (1) to (1A) substitute—

(1) The Secretary of State may issue guidance as to the discharge of their disciplinary functions to—

(a) local policing bodies,

(b) chief officers of police,

(c) other members of police forces,

(d) civilian police employees, and

(e) the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

(3) Before subsection (2) insert—

(1B) The College of Policing may, with the approval of the Secretary of State, issue guidance to the persons mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to (c) as to the discharge of their disciplinary functions in relation to members of police forces and special constables and former members of police forces and former special constables.

(4) After subsection (4) insert—

(4A) In this section “ disciplinary functions ” means—

(a) functions in relation to the conduct, efficiency and effectiveness of, and the maintenance of discipline of, the following persons (including functions in relation to disciplinary proceedings)—

(i) members of police forces;

(ii) special constables;

(iii) civilian police employees;

(b) functions in relation to disciplinary proceedings against persons who were, but have ceased to be, persons falling within paragraph (a).

(5) For subsection (5) substitute—

(5) In this section—

“ civilian police employee ” means—

a member of the civilian staff of a police force, including the metropolitan police force (within the meaning of Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011), or

a person employed by the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as police authority who is under the direction and control of the Commissioner of Police for the City of London;

“disciplinary proceedings”—

in relation to a member of a police force or a special constable, or a former member of a police force or a former special constable, means any proceedings under regulations under section 50 or 51 that are identified as disciplinary proceedings by those regulations;

in relation to any other person, means any proceedings identified as disciplinary proceedings by regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section.

(6) After subsection (5) insert—

(6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under paragraph (b) of the definition of “disciplinary proceedings” in subsection (5) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(7) After section 87 of the Police Act 1996 insert—

Guidance concerning conduct etc

(87A)

(1) The Secretary of State may issue guidance as to matters of conduct, efficiency and effectiveness to—

(a) members of police forces,

(b) special constables, and

(c) civilian police employees.

(2) The College of Policing may, with the approval of the Secretary of State, issue guidance of the type described in subsection (1) to the persons mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of that subsection.

(3) It shall be the duty of every person to whom any guidance under this section is issued to have regard to the guidance.

(4) A failure by a person to whom guidance under this section is issued to have regard to the guidance shall be admissible in evidence in any disciplinary proceedings brought against the person.

(5) In this section “ civilian police employees ” and “ disciplinary proceedings ” have the same meaning as in section 87.

Section 33 Independent Office for Police Conduct

(1) The body corporate known as the Independent Police Complaints Commission—

(a) is to continue to exist, and

(b) is to be known instead as the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

(2) Section 9 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (which established the Independent Police Complaints Commission) is amended in accordance with subsections (3) to (8).

(3) For the heading substitute “ The Independent Office for Police Conduct ” .

(4) For subsection (1) substitute—

(1) The body corporate previously known as the Independent Police Complaints Commission—

(a) is to continue to exist, and

(b) is to be known instead as the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

(5) For subsection (2) substitute—

(2) The Office is to consist of—

(a) a Director General appointed by Her Majesty, and

(b) at least six other members.

(2A) The other members must consist of—

(a) persons appointed as non-executive members (see paragraph 1A of Schedule 2), and

(b) persons appointed as employee members (see paragraph 1B of that Schedule),

but the powers of appointment under those paragraphs must be exercised so as to secure that a majority of members of the Office (including the Director General) are non-executive members.

(6) In subsection (3)—

(a) for “chairman of the Commission” substitute “ Director General ” ;

(b) omit “, or as another member of the Commission,”.

(7) In subsection (5)—

(a) for “The Commission shall not—” substitute “ Neither the Office nor the Director General shall— ” ;

(b) for “Commission's” substitute “Office's”.

(8) In subsection (6) for “Commission” substitute “ Office ” .

(9) Schedule 9 makes further provision in relation to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Section 34 Exercise of functions

(1) Section 10 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (general functions of the Commission) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (5) (see also paragraph 17 of Schedule 9 for further minor and consequential amendments).

(2) For “Commission”, in each place except as otherwise provided by subsection (5) (including in the heading and in provisions inserted by amendments made by this Act), substitute “ Director General ” .

(3) In subsection (2)—

(a) in paragraph (a), at the end insert “ or other concerns raised by virtue of Part 2B (whistle-blowing) ” ;

(b) in paragraph (c), after “complaints” insert “ or other concerns ” .

(4) After subsection (5) insert—

(5A) In carrying out functions the Director General must have regard to any advice provided to the Director General by the Office (see section 10A(1)(c)).

(5) In subsection (7), for “Commission”, in the first place it occurs, substitute “ Office ” .

(6) After that section insert—

General functions of the Office

(10A)

(1) The functions of the Office are—

(a) to secure that the Office has in place appropriate arrangements for good governance and financial management,

(b) to determine and promote the strategic aims and values of the Office,

(c) to provide support and advice to the Director General in the carrying out of the Director General's functions, and

(d) to monitor and review the carrying out of such functions.

(2) The Office also has such other functions as are conferred on it by any other enactment (whenever passed or made).

(3) The Office is to perform its functions for the general purpose of improving the way in which the Director General's functions are carried out (including by encouraging the efficient and effective use of resources in the carrying out of those functions).

(4) In carrying out its functions the Office must in particular have regard to public confidence in the existence of suitable arrangements with respect to the matters mentioned in section 10(2) and with the operation of the arrangements that are in fact maintained with respect to those matters.

(5) The Office may do anything which appears to it to be calculated to facilitate, or is incidental or conducive to, the carrying out of its functions.

Efficiency etc in exercise of functions

(10B) The Director General and the Office must carry out their functions efficiently and effectively.

Strategy for exercise of functions

(10C)

(1) The Director General and the Office must jointly—

(a) prepare a strategy for the carrying out of their functions, and

(b) review the strategy (and revise it as appropriate) at least once every 12 months.

(2) The strategy must set out how the Director General and the Office propose to carry out their functions in the relevant period.

(3) The strategy must also include a plan for the use during the relevant period of resources for the carrying out of functions of the Director General and the Office.

(4) The Director General and the Office must each give effect to the strategy in carrying out their functions.

(5) The Director General and the Office must jointly publish a strategy (or revised strategy) prepared under this section (stating the time from which it takes effect).

(6) In this section “ relevant period ”, in relation to a strategy, means the period of time that is covered by the strategy.

Code of practice

(10D)

(1) The Director General and the Office must jointly prepare a code of practice dealing with the relationship between the Director General and the Office.

(2) In doing so, they must (in particular) seek to reflect the principle that the Director General is to act independently when making decisions in connection with the carrying out of the Director General's functions.

(3) The code must include provision as to the following—

(a) how the strategy required by section 10C is to be prepared, reviewed and revised;

(b) the matters to be covered by the strategy and the periods to be covered by it from time to time;

(c) how the carrying out of functions by the Director General is to be monitored and reviewed by other members of the Office;

(d) the giving of advice to the Director General by other members of the Office in connection with the carrying out of functions by the Director General;

(e) the keeping of written records of instances where the Director General has not followed advice given by other members of the Office and the reasons for not doing so;

(f) how non-executive members of the Office are to give practical effect to the requirement imposed by subsection (2).

(4) The Code may include whatever other provision the Director General and the Office think appropriate.

(5) The Director General and the Office must jointly review the code regularly and revise it as appropriate.

(6) The Director General and the Office must each comply with the code.

(7) The Director General and the Office must jointly publish a code (or revised code) prepared under this section (stating the time from which it takes effect).

Section 35 Public records

(1) In Schedule 1 to the Public Records Act 1958 (definition of public records), in Part 2 of the Table at the end of paragraph 3, insert at the appropriate place—

(2) The records that become public records for the purposes of that Act as a result of the amendment made by subsection (1) include all records of the Independent Office for Police Conduct of the kind mentioned in paragraph 3(1) of Schedule 1 to that Act (whether created before or after the coming into force of this section, and whether created under that name or under the name of the Independent Police Complaints Commission).

(3) If the amendment made by subsection (1) comes into force before subsection (1) of section 33 comes into force, the reference in that amendment to the Independent Office for Police Conduct is, until subsection (1) of that section comes into force, to be read as a reference to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Section 36 Powers of inspectors to obtain information, access to police premises etc

(1) In Schedule 4A to the Police Act 1996 (further provision about Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary), for paragraphs 6A and 6B substitute—

Powers of inspectors to obtain information etc

(6A)

(1) An inspector may serve on a person a notice requiring the person—

(a) to provide the inspector with any information or documents that the inspector reasonably requires for the purposes of an inspection under section 54;

(b) to produce or deliver up to the inspector any evidence or other things that the inspector reasonably requires for those purposes.

This is subject to sub-paragraphs (6) to (9).

(2) A notice under this paragraph must—

(a) specify or describe the information, documents, evidence or other things that are required by the inspector;

(b) specify the period within which the information, documents, evidence or other things must be provided, produced or delivered up;

(c) where the notice is served on a person who has a right of appeal under paragraph 6D, give details of that right of appeal.

(3) In a case where a notice is served on a person who has a right of appeal under paragraph 6D, a period specified under sub-paragraph (2)(b) must not end before the end of the period within which the appeal could be brought.

(4) A notice under this paragraph may specify the form and manner in which any information, documents, evidence or other things are to be provided, produced or delivered up.

(5) An inspector may cancel a notice under this paragraph by written notice to the person on whom it was served.

(6) A notice under this paragraph must not be used to obtain information, or any document or other thing, from—

(a) the Security Service,

(b) the Secret Intelligence Service,

(c) the Government Communications Headquarters,

(d) any part of Her Majesty's forces, or of the Ministry of Defence, which engages in intelligence activities,

(e) the Crown Prosecution Service,

(f) the Service Prosecuting Authority, or

(g) the Serious Fraud Office.

(7) A notice under this paragraph must also not be used to obtain information, or any document or other thing, from any person if—

(a) the information, or the document or other thing, was obtained by that person (directly or indirectly) from a body or other entity mentioned in sub-paragraph (6), or

(b) the information, or the document or other thing, relates to a body or other entity mentioned in that sub-paragraph.

(8) A notice under this paragraph must not require a person—

(a) to provide information that might incriminate the person;

(b) to provide an item subject to legal privilege within the meaning of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (see section 10 of that Act);

(c) to make a disclosure that would be prohibited by any of Parts 1 to 7 or Chapter 1 of Part 9 of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016;

(d) to provide information that was provided to the person by, or by an agency of, the government of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom where that government does not consent to the disclosure of the information.

(9) A notice under this paragraph must not require a postal or telecommunications operator to provide communications data.

(10) In sub-paragraph (9), “ communications data ”, “ postal operator ” and “ telecommunications operator ” have the same meanings as in the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (see sections 261 and 262 of that Act).

(11) In this paragraph—

“ document ” means anything in which information of any description is recorded;

“ inspector ” means—

an inspector of constabulary,

a person appointed under section 56 as an assistant inspector of constabulary or staff officer to the inspectors of constabulary, or

a person authorised by an inspector of constabulary to act on behalf of the inspector for the purposes of this paragraph.

Powers of inspectors to obtain access to police premises

(6B)

(1) An inspector may serve on a person a notice requiring the person to allow the inspector access, which the inspector reasonably requires for the purposes of an inspection under section 54, to—

(a) premises that are occupied (wholly or partly) for the purposes of—

(i) a police force,

(ii) a local policing body,

(iii) a person providing services, in pursuance of contractual arrangements (but without being employed by a chief officer of police of the police force or its local policing body), to assist a police force in relation to the discharge of its chief officer's functions, or

(iv) any other person who is, by virtue of any enactment, carrying out any of the activities of a police force, and

(b) documents and other things on those premises.

(2) A notice under this paragraph must—

(a) specify or describe the premises to which the inspector requires access;

(b) specify the time when access is required (which may be immediately after the service of the notice).

(3) Where there are reasonable grounds for not allowing the inspector to have access to the premises at the time specified under sub-paragraph (2)(b), the requirement under this paragraph has effect as a requirement to secure that access is allowed to the inspector at the earliest practicable time specified by the inspector after there cease to be such grounds.

(4) An inspector may cancel a notice under this paragraph by written notice to the person on whom it was served.

(5) In this paragraph “ document ” and “ inspector ” have the same meanings as in paragraph 6A (and, for that purpose, the reference in paragraph (c) of the definition of “inspector” in paragraph 6A(11) to paragraph 6A is to be read as a reference to this paragraph).

Failure to comply with notice under paragraph 6A or 6B

(6C)

(1) If a person who has received a notice under paragraph 6A or 6B—

(a) fails or refuses without reasonable excuse to do what is required by the notice, or

(b) (in the case of a notice under paragraph 6A) knowingly or recklessly provides information in response to the notice that is false in a material respect,

the chief inspector of constabulary may certify in writing to the High Court that the person has failed to comply with the notice.

(2) The High Court may then inquire into the matter and, after hearing any witness who may be produced against or on behalf of the person, and after hearing any statement offered in defence, deal with the person as if the person had committed a contempt of court.

Appeals against notices under paragraph 6A

(6D)

(1) A person on whom a notice is served under paragraph 6A may appeal against the notice to the First-tier Tribunal on the ground that the notice is not in accordance with the law.

(2) The right of appeal conferred by sub-paragraph (1) does not apply where the notice is served on a person who is—

(a) a member of a police force;

(b) a special constable;

(c) a member of the civilian staff of a police force, including the metropolitan police force (within the meaning of Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011);

(d) a local policing body or a person employed by a local policing body;

(e) a person providing services, in pursuance of contractual arrangements (but without being employed by a chief officer of police of a police force or its local policing body), to assist a police force in relation to the discharge of its chief officer's functions;

(f) a person employed by a person providing services as mentioned in paragraph (e);

(g) any other person who is, by virtue of any enactment, carrying out any of the activities of a police force.

(3) If an appeal is brought, any requirement imposed by the notice is of no effect pending the determination or withdrawal of the appeal.

(4) If the Tribunal considers that the notice is not in accordance with the law—

(a) it must quash the notice, and

(b) it may give directions regarding the service of a further notice under paragraph 6A.

Sensitive information: restriction on further disclosure

(6E)

(1) Where an inspector receives information within sub-paragraph (2), the inspector must not disclose the information, or the fact that it has been received, unless the relevant authority consents to the disclosure.

(2) The information is—

(a) intelligence service information;

(b) protected information relating to a relevant warrant;

(c) information obtained from a government department which, at the time it is provided to the inspector, is identified by the department as information the disclosure of which may, in the opinion of the relevant authority—

(i) cause damage to national security, international relations or the economic interests of the United Kingdom or any part of the United Kingdom, or

(ii) jeopardise the safety of any person.

(3) Where an inspector discloses to another person information within sub-paragraph (2), or the fact that the inspector has received it, the other person must not disclose that information or that fact unless the relevant authority consents to the disclosure.

(4) A prohibition on disclosure in sub-paragraph (1) or (3) does not apply to disclosure by one inspector to another.

(5) In this paragraph—

“ government department ” means a department of Her Majesty's Government but does not include—

the Security Service,

the Secret Intelligence Service, or

the Government Communications Headquarters (“GCHQ”);

“ inspector ” means—

an inspector of constabulary,

a person appointed under section 56 as an assistant inspector of constabulary or staff officer to the inspectors of constabulary, or

a person authorised by an inspector of constabulary to act on behalf of the inspector in receiving information (whether under paragraph 6A or otherwise);

“ intelligence service information ” means information that was obtained (directly or indirectly) from or that relates to—

the Security Service,

the Secret Intelligence Service,

GCHQ, or

any part of Her Majesty's forces, or of the Ministry of Defence, which engages in intelligence activities;

“ Minister of the Crown ” includes the Treasury;

“ protected information ”, in relation to a relevant warrant, means information relating to any of the matters mentioned in section 57(4) of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 in relation to the warrant;

“ relevant authority ” means—

in the case of intelligence service information obtained (directly or indirectly) from or relating to the Security Service, the Director-General of the Security Service;

in the case of intelligence service information obtained (directly or indirectly) from or relating to the Secret Intelligence Service, the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service;

in the case of intelligence service information obtained (directly or indirectly) from or relating to GCHQ, the Director of GCHQ;

in the case of intelligence service information obtained (directly or indirectly) from or relating to Her Majesty's forces or the Ministry of Defence, the Secretary of State;

in the case of protected information relating to a relevant warrant, the person to whom the relevant warrant is or was addressed;

in the case of information within sub-paragraph (2)(c)—

the Secretary of State, or

the Minister of the Crown in charge of the government department from which the information was obtained (if that Minister is not a Secretary of State);

“ relevant warrant ” means—

a warrant under Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, or

a warrant under Chapter 1 of Part 6 of that Act.

Provision of sensitive information to inspectors

(6F)

(1) A person who provides information that is intelligence service information or protected information relating to a relevant warrant to an inspector (whether under a provision of this Schedule or otherwise) must—

(a) make the inspector aware that the information is intelligence service information or (as the case may be) protected information relating to a relevant warrant, and

(b) provide the inspector with such additional information as will enable the inspector to identify the relevant authority in relation to the information.

(2) In this paragraph, “ inspector ”, “ intelligence service information ”, “ protected information relating to a relevant warrant ” and “ relevant authority ” have the same meaning as in paragraph 6E.

(2) Omit section 86 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (which is spent as a result of subsection (1) above).

Section 37 Inspectors and inspections: miscellaneous

(1) In section 54 of the Police Act 1996 (appointment and functions of inspectors of constabulary), after subsection (6) insert—

(7) For the purposes of this section, a police force includes—

(a) staff appointed by the chief officer of police of the police force;

(b) staff appointed by a local policing body if, or to the extent that, they are employed to assist the police force;

(c) persons providing services, in pursuance of contractual arrangements (but without being employed by the chief officer of police of the police force or its local policing body), to assist the police force in relation to the discharge of its chief officer's functions;

(d) any other persons if, or to the extent that, they are engaged by virtue of any enactment in carrying out the activities of the police force.

(2) In section 55 of that Act (publication of reports of inspections), after subsection (5) insert—

(5A) The comments of the local policing body, together with any comments submitted by the chief officer of police and any response to those comments by the local policing body, must be published before the end of the period of 56 days beginning with the day on which the report is published.

(5B) If the published report includes a recommendation, the comments of the local policing body must include an explanation of—

(a) the action the local policing body has taken or proposes to take in response to the recommendation, or

(b) why the local policing body has not taken, or does not propose to take, any action in response.

(3) In that section, in subsection (6), for the words after “subsection (5)” substitute

to—

(a) the inspectors of constabulary, and

(b) the Secretary of State.

(4) In section 56 of that Act (assistant inspectors and staff officers), in subsections (1) and (2), for “Secretary of State” substitute “ chief inspector of constabulary ” .

(5) In paragraph 2 of Schedule 4A to that Act (inspection programmes and inspection frameworks)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a), for “he proposes” substitute “ the inspectors of constabulary propose ” ;

(b) in sub-paragraph (1)(b), for “he proposes to carry out his” substitute “ they propose to carry out their ” ;

(c) after sub-paragraph (5) insert—

(6) The chief inspector of constabulary or, at the request of the chief inspector, any other inspector may carry out inspections that have not been set out in an inspection programme (and have not been required under section 54(2B) or requested under section 54(2BA)).

(7) Before deciding to carry out, or to request another inspector to carry out, an inspection that has not been set out in an inspection programme, the chief inspector of constabulary must consult —

(a) the Secretary of State, and

(b) the local policing body for the police force to which the inspection relates.

(6) In Schedule 6 to the Crime and Courts Act 2013 (inspection and complaints), in paragraph 4, after sub-paragraph (1) insert—

(1A) The comments must be published before the end of the period of 56 days beginning with the day on which the HMIC report is published by the Secretary of State.

(1B) If the HMIC report includes a recommendation, the comments must include an explanation of—

(a) the action the Director General has taken or proposes to take in response to the recommendation, or

(b) why the Director General has not taken, or does not propose to take, any action in response.

Section 38 Powers of police civilian staff and police volunteers

(1) Chapter 1 of Part 4 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (exercise of police powers etc by civilians) is amended as follows.

(2) In section 38 (police powers for civilian staff), for subsections (1) and (2) substitute—

(1) The chief officer of police of any police force may designate a relevant employee as either or both of the following—

(a) a community support officer;

(b) a policing support officer.

(1A) The chief officer of police of any police force may designate a police volunteer as either or both of the following—

(a) a community support volunteer;

(b) a policing support volunteer.

(3) In that section, omit subsections (5A) to (6A).

(4) In that section, before subsection (7) insert—

(6B) The powers and duties that may be conferred or imposed on a person designated under this section are—

(a) any power or duty of a constable, other than a power or duty specified in Part 1 of Schedule 3B (excluded powers and duties);

(b) where the person is designated as a community support officer or a community support volunteer, any power or duty that is described in Schedule 3C as a power or duty of a community support officer or community support volunteer.

(6C) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend Part 1 of Schedule 3B so as to add to the list of powers and duties specified in it.

(6D) Part 2 of Schedule 3B makes provision about the application of legislation in relation to powers or duties of a constable that may be exercised or performed by a person designated under this section.

(6E) Any power or duty of a constable that is conferred or imposed on a person designated under this section by a chief officer of police of a police force may (subject to provision included in the designation under subsection (6F)) be exercised or performed by the person—

(a) in the area of that police force, and

(b) in any cases or circumstances in which it could be exercised or performed by a constable who is a member of that force.

(6F) A designation under this section may provide that any power or duty of a constable that is conferred or imposed by the designation may be exercised or performed by the person designated—

(a) in such areas outside the area of the police force in question as are specified in the designation (as well as within the area of the police force);

(b) only in such parts of the area of that police force as are specified in the designation;

(c) only in cases or circumstances so specified.

(5) In that section, after subsection (7) insert—

(7A) A police volunteer authorised or required to do anything by virtue of a designation under this section —

(a) shall not be authorised or required by virtue of that designation to engage in any conduct otherwise than while acting as a police volunteer;

(b) shall be so authorised or required subject to such restrictions and conditions (if any) as may be specified in the designation.

(6) In that section, after subsection (9) insert—

(9A) The chief officer of police of a police force must ensure that no person designated by the chief officer under this section is authorised to use a firearm, within the meaning given by section 57(1) of the Firearms Act 1968, in carrying out functions for the purposes of the designation.

(9B) However, subsection (9A) does not apply to—

(a) the use of a weapon, designed or adapted for the discharge of either of the following substances, for the purpose of discharging either of those substances—

(i) the substance, commonly known as “CS spray”, that is produced by the use of 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile;

(ii) the substance, commonly known as PAVA spray, that is produced by the use of pelargonic acid vanillylamide;

(b) the use of a weapon for a purpose specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State;

(c) the use of a weapon of a description specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State, whether generally or for a purpose so specified.

(7) In that section, after subsection (9B) (as inserted by subsection (6) above) insert—

(9C) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (6C) or (9B)(b) or (c) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

(8) In that section, at the end insert—

(12) In this section, “ police volunteer ” means a person who is under the direction and control of the chief officer making a designation under subsection (1A) otherwise than because the person is a constable, a special constable or a relevant employee.

(13) For the purpose of subsection (12), a person is to be treated as a relevant employee only in relation to times when the person is acting in the course of the person's employment.

(9) In the heading to section 38, after “civilian staff” insert “ and volunteers ” .

(10) Omit section 38A (standard powers and duties of community support officers).

(11) After Schedule 3 insert —

(a) the new Schedule 3B set out in Schedule 10 to this Act, and

(b) (after that new Schedule) the new Schedule 3C set out in Schedule 11 to this Act.

Section 39 Application of Firearms Act 1968 to the police: special constables and volunteers

(1) The Firearms Act 1968 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 54 of that Act (Application of Parts 1 and 2 to Crown servants), in subsection (3)—

(a) after paragraph (b) insert—

(ba) a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer designated under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002 by the chief constable of a police force in England and Wales,

(b) after paragraph (f) insert

, or

(g) a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer designated under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (as it applies by virtue of section 28 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003) by the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police Force.

(3) In section 57 of that Act (interpretation), in subsection (4), after the definition of “imitation firearm” insert—

“ member of a police force ” means—

(a) as respects England and Wales, a constable who is a member of a police force or a special constable appointed under section 27 of the Police Act 1996;

(b) as respects Scotland, a constable within the meaning of section 99 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (2012 asp 8);

“ member of the British Transport Police Force ” includes a special constable appointed under section 25 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003;

Section 40 Training etc of police volunteers

(1) After section 53E of the Police Act 1996 (guidance about civilian staff employed by local policing bodies and chief officers) insert—

Guidance about designated police volunteers

(53F)

(1) The College of Policing may issue guidance to chief officers of police about—

(a) the experience or qualifications that it would be appropriate for a person to have before being designated as a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002;

(b) the training to be undertaken by a person before being so designated or after being so designated.

(2) The College may from time to time revise the whole or any part of any guidance issued under this section.

(3) The College must publish any guidance issued under this section and any revision of it.

(4) Each chief officer of police must have regard to guidance issued under this section.

(2) In section 97 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 (regulations for police forces about police training etc), in subsection (6)(c)—

(a) omit the “or” at the end of sub-paragraph (ii);

(b) after sub-paragraph (iii) insert

or

(iv) a person designated as a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

Section 41 Police volunteers: complaints and disciplinary matters

(1) In section 12 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (complaints, matters and persons to which Part 2 of the Act applies), in subsection (7) (what it means to be a person serving with the police)—

(a) omit the “or” at the end of paragraph (b);

(b) at the end of paragraph (c) insert

; or

(d) he is a person designated as a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer under section 38.

(2) In section 87 of the Police Act 1996 (guidance concerning disciplinary proceedings etc), in subsection (4A)(a) (as inserted by section 32), after sub-paragraph (iii) insert—

(iv) persons designated as community support volunteers or policing support volunteers under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002;

(3) In section 87A of the Police Act 1996 (guidance concerning conduct etc) (as inserted by section 32), in subsection (1)—

(a) omit the “and” at the end of paragraph (b);

(b) at the end of paragraph (c) insert

, and

(d) persons designated as community support volunteers or policing support volunteers under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

(4) In Schedule 6 to the Police Act 1996 (appeals to Police Appeals Tribunals), in paragraph 10(aa) (as inserted by section 31), after paragraph (iii) insert—

(iiia) a person designated as a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002,

Section 42 Police volunteers: police barred list and police advisory list

(1) Part 4A of the Police Act 1996 (police barred list and police advisory list) (as inserted by Schedule 8) is amended as follows.

(2) In section 88C (effect of inclusion in police barred list), at the end insert—

(9) Before designating a person as a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002, a chief officer of police must check with the College of Policing whether the person is a barred person.

(10) A chief officer of police may not designate a barred person as a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

(3) In section 88I (duty to report resignations and retirements to College of Policing)—

(a) in the heading, after “retirements” insert “ etc ” ;

(b) in subsection (1), after paragraph (b) insert—

(c) the person's designation as a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002 is withdrawn and the reason, or one of the reasons, for the withdrawal of the designation relates to conduct, efficiency or effectiveness;

(d) the person, having been designated as a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002, decides to stop volunteering as a police volunteer (within the meaning of that section) after a relevant allegation about the person comes to the attention of the relevant authority.

(c) in subsection (4), after paragraph (d) insert—

(e) in relation to a person falling within subsection (1)(c) or (d), the chief officer of police by whom the person was designated.

(d) in subsection (6)(b), at the end insert “ or (as the case may be) the person's designation as a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer being withdrawn if the person had not decided to stop volunteering ” .

(4) In section 88K (effect of inclusion in police advisory list), at the end insert—

(8) Before designating a person as a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002, a chief officer of police must check with the College of Policing whether the person is included in the police advisory list.

(5) In section 88L (removal from police advisory list), in subsection (7)—

(a) the words from “a person who,” to the end of the subsection become paragraph (a);

(b) after that paragraph insert—

(b) a person who was designated as a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

Section 43 Police volunteers: inspection

(1) In section 54 of the Police Act 1996 (appointment and functions of inspectors of constabulary), in subsection (7) (as inserted by section 37), after paragraph (a) insert—

(aa) persons designated as community support volunteers or policing support volunteers under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002;

(2) In Schedule 4A to the Police Act 1996 (further provision about Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary), in paragraph 6D (as inserted by section 36), after sub-paragraph (2)(c) insert—

(ca) a person designated as a community support volunteer or a policing support volunteer under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002;

Section 44 Restrictions on designated persons acting as covert human intelligence sources

In section 29 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (authorisation of covert human intelligence sources), after subsection (6) insert—

(6A) An authorisation under this section may not have the effect of authorising a covert human intelligence source who is a person designated under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002 to establish contact in person with another person.

Section 45 Further amendments consequential on section 38 etc

Schedule 12—

(a) makes further amendments in consequence of the amendments made by section 38 (see Parts 1 and 2 of that Schedule), and

(b) makes minor correcting amendments of the Police Reform Act 2002 (see Part 3 of that Schedule).

Section 46 Removal of powers of police in England and Wales to appoint traffic wardens

(1) Sections 95 to 97 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (traffic wardens), so far as extending to England and Wales, are repealed.

(2) Those sections, so far as extending to Scotland, are amended as follows.

(3) In section 95 (appointment of traffic wardens), omit subsection (1).

(4) In subsection (2) of that section, for “any such functions as are mentioned in subsection (1) above” substitute “ , in aid of the police, functions normally undertaken by the police in connection with the control and regulation of, or the enforcement of the law relating to, traffic (including pedestrians) or stationary vehicles ” .

(5) In subsection (3) of that section, omit “under subsection (1) or”.

(6) In subsection (4) of that section—

(a) omit “(whether in England and Wales or in Scotland)”;

(b) for “subsection (1)” substitute “ subsection (2) ” ;

(c) in paragraph (b)—

(i) omit “or (in England and Wales) with the Secretary of State”;

(ii) omit “or, as the case may be, by the Secretary of State”.

(7) Omit subsection (4A) of that section.

(8) In section 96 (additional powers of traffic wardens), in subsection (2), omit paragraphs (a), (b) and (d).

(9) In section 97 (supplementary provisions as to traffic wardens), in subsection (3), omit, in both places where it occurs, “the Common Council or”.

(10) Schedule 13 makes further amendments consequential on the repeal made by subsection (1).

Section 47 Power to make regulations about police ranks

After section 50 of the Police Act 1996 insert—

Regulations for police forces: ranks

(50A)

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations specify the ranks that may be held by members of police forces, other than chief officers of police.

(2) The ranks must include the rank of constable.

(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision that is consequential on, or incidental or supplemental to, regulations under subsection (1).

(4) The power conferred by subsection (3) includes power to—

(a) repeal, revoke or otherwise amend legislation that (in relation to members of police forces in England and Wales) makes provision with respect to ranks that are not specified in regulations under subsection (1);

(b) make other amendments of legislation that are consequential on regulations under subsection (1).

(5) In subsection (4), “ legislation ” means any provision of—

(a) an Act (including this Act),

(b) subordinate legislation within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978,

(c) an Act of the Scottish Parliament or an instrument made under such an Act,

(d) a Measure or Act of the National Assembly for Wales or an instrument made under a Measure or Act of that Assembly, or

(e) Northern Ireland legislation or an instrument made under Northern Ireland legislation.

(6) Regulations under this section may include transitional, transitory or saving provision.

(7) Regulations under this section may make different provision for different cases or circumstances.

Regulations under section 50A: procedure

(50B)

(1) A statutory instrument containing regulations under section 50A may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

(2) If the College of Policing submits to the Secretary of State a draft of regulations under section 50A, then (subject to subsection (3)) the Secretary of State must—

(a) lay before each House of Parliament for approval a draft of a statutory instrument containing regulations in terms of the draft prepared by the College of Policing, and

(b) if the draft of the statutory instrument is approved by both Houses of Parliament, make the regulations in those terms.

(3) The duty under subsection (2) does not apply if the Secretary of State considers—

(a) that it would be unlawful to make regulations in terms of the draft,

(b) that it would impair the efficiency of the police to do so, or

(c) that it would for some other reason be wrong to do so.

(4) The Secretary of State may not lay before each House of Parliament for approval a draft of a statutory instrument containing regulations under section 50A unless—

(a) the draft is laid in accordance with the duty under subsection (2), or

(b) the College of Policing has approved the text of the regulations.

Section 48 Section 47: consequential amendments

(1) The Police Act 1996 is amended as follows.

(2) Omit—

(a) section 9H (other members of the metropolitan police force);

(b) section 13 (other members of police forces).

(3) Section 50 (regulations for police forces) is amended as follows.

(4) Omit subsection (2)(a).

(5) In subsection (2ZA), after “under”, in the second place it occurs, insert “ section 50A (regulations as to police ranks) or under ” .

(6) In each of subsections (2ZB) and (2ZC), for “subsection (2)(a), (b), (c) or (g)” substitute “ subsection (2)(b), (c) or (g) ” .

Section 49 Duties of Police Federation for England and Wales in fulfilling its purpose

In section 59 of the Police Act 1996 (Police Federations), after subsection (1) insert—

(1A) In fulfilling that purpose, the Police Federation for England and Wales must—

(a) protect the public interest,

(b) maintain high standards of conduct, and

(c) maintain high standards of transparency.

Section 50 Freedom of Information Act etc: Police Federation for England and Wales

(1) The Police Federation for England and Wales is to be treated for the purposes of—

(a) the Freedom of Information Act 2000,

(b) the data protection legislation , and

(c) section 18 of the Inquiries Act 2005,

as if it were a body listed in Part 5 of Schedule 1 to the 2000 Act (public authorities).

(2) In this section, “ the data protection legislation ” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act).