PART 1Police reform

CHAPTER 6Annual reports, accounts, audit and examination

42Examination of Police Service by Auditor General

1

The Auditor General may initiate examinations into—

I2a

the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the Police Service, and

I1b

the arrangements made by the chief constable under section 37(2).

I12

In determining whether to initiate an examination, the Auditor General must take into account any proposals made by the Scottish Parliament.

I13

It is for the Auditor General personally to initiate an examination under this section and to decide who is to carry it out.

I14

In carrying out the examination that person (“the examiner”)—

a

is not entitled to question the merits of the policy objectives of the chief constable or the Police Service, but

b

may consider the appropriateness of any criteria used to assess the use of resources available to the Police Service.

I15

The examiner (if not the Auditor General) must report the results to the Auditor General, who may report the results to the Scottish Parliament and the Authority.

I16

The Auditor General may publish the results of an examination.

I17

Sections 23A and 24 of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000 (asp 1) apply in relation to an examination under this section as they apply in relation to an examination under section 23 of that Act.