Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2003

Part 1 Policing

Consultation by Secretary of State

1 Long-term policing objectives

In section 24 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) (Secretary of State’s long term policing objectives) for subsection (2) substitute—

“(2) Before determining or revising any objectives under this section, the Secretary of State shall consult the Board with a view to obtaining its agreement to the proposed objectives or revision.

(2A) Before determining or revising any objectives under this section, the Secretary of State shall also consult—

(a) the Chief Constable;

(b) the Ombudsman;

(c) the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission;

(d) the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland; and

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

2 Codes of Practice

In section 27 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) (codes of practice on exercise of functions) for subsection (2) substitute—

“(2) Before issuing or revising a code of practice under this section, the Secretary of State shall consult the Board with a view to obtaining its agreement to the proposed code of practice or revision.

(2A) Before issuing or revising a code of practice under this section, the Secretary of State shall also consult—

(a) the Chief Constable;

(b) the Ombudsman;

(c) the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission;

(d) the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland; and

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

The Northern Ireland Policing Board

3 Board’s policing objectives

(1) Section 25 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (Board’s policing objectives) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (2) omit the words from “but” to the end.

(3) In subsection (3) before paragraph (a) insert—

“(aa) take account of any objectives under section 24;”.

4 Public meetings of the Board

(1) In paragraph 19(2) of Schedule 1 to the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (public meetings of the Board) for “ten” substitute “eight”.

(2) Paragraph 19(3) of Schedule 1 to that Act shall cease to have effect.

(3) Subsection (1) has effect in relation to years ending on or after the day on which this Act is passed.

5 Contracts relating to detention and escort services

After section 5 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 insert—

“5A Contracts relating to detention and escort services

(1) The Board may enter into a contract with another person for the provision of services relating to the detention or escort of persons who have been arrested or are otherwise in custody.

(2) The powers of the Board under this section shall be exercised, on behalf of and in the name of the Board, by the Chief Constable.

(3) The power conferred by this section is subject to any regulations under section 40 of the 1998 Act.”

6 Funding for pension purposes

(1) The Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (11).

(2) In section 9(1) (grants to the Board) for “a grant for police purposes” substitute— “—

(a) a grant for pension purposes;

(b) a grant for other police purposes.”

(3) In section 9(2) for “A grant” substitute “Grants”.

(4) In section 10 (funding for police purposes: ancillary provisions) for subsection (1) substitute—

“(1) The Board shall prepare and submit to the Secretary of State, at such times and in such form as the Secretary of State may direct—

(a) estimates of the receipts and payments of the Board for pension purposes during such period as may be specified in the direction;

(b) estimates of the receipts and payments of the Board for other police purposes during such period as may be specified in the direction.

(1A) The Board shall submit to the Secretary of State such other information relating to the estimates submitted under subsection (1) as he may require.”

(5) In section 10(2)—

(a) for “A draft” substitute “Drafts”;

(b) after “payments for” insert “pension purposes and other”.

(6) In section 10(3)(a) for “draft” substitute “drafts”.

(7) In section 10(4) after “police purposes” insert “other than pension purposes”.

(8) In section 10 after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A) The Board shall in each financial year put at the disposal of the Chief Constable for pension purposes—

(a) an amount equal to the amount of the grant for pension purposes received in that year by the Board under section 9(1)(a);

(b) any amount received by the Board in that year which is required to be applied for pension purposes by directions under subsection (4) or by any other statutory provision.”

(9) In section 10 for subsection (5) substitute—

“(5) The Board shall in each financial year put at the disposal of the Chief Constable for other police purposes—

(a) an amount equal to the amount of the grant for other police purposes received in that year by the Board under section 9(1)(b);

(b) any amount received by the Board in that year which is required to be applied for other police purposes by subsection (4) or directions under that subsection or by any other statutory provision.”

(10) In section 27(1)(b) (codes of practice on exercise of functions by Chief Constable) for “section 10(5)” substitute “section 10(4A) or (5)”.

(11) In section 77(1) (interpretation) after the definition of “the Ombudsman” insert—

““pension purposes” means the purposes of the pension scheme established by regulations under section 25 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998;”.

(12) Subsections (1) to (11) have effect in relation to financial years ending on or after 31st March 2004.

7 Accounts and audit

(1) Section 12 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) (accounts and audit) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (7).

(2) In subsection (1) for “all amounts put at the Chief Constable’s disposal under section 10(5)” substitute “each of the amounts specified in subsection (1A)”.

(3) After subsection (1) insert—

“(1A) The amounts are—

(a) the amounts put at the Chief Constable’s disposal under section 10(4A);

(b) any amount received by the Board and paid into the Police Fund in accordance with regulations under section 28(1) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998;

(c) any amount received by the Board and paid into the Police Property Fund in accordance with regulations under section 31(4) of that Act;

(d) the other amounts put at the Chief Constable’s disposal under section 10(5) of this Act.”

(4) In subsection (3) for “The statement of accounts” substitute “Each statement of accounts required under subsection (1)”.

(5) In subsection (4) for “the statement” substitute “each statement” and for “they” substitute “the accounts”.

(6) In subsection (5) for “the statement” substitute “each statement”.

(7) In subsection (6)(b) for “the statement” substitute “each statement” and after “his report” insert “on it”.

(8) Subsections (1) to (7) have effect in relation to financial years ending on or after 31st March 2004.

8 Performance summaries

(1) Section 28 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (arrangements relating to economy, efficiency and effectiveness) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (5).

(2) In subsection (5) omit paragraph (c) and the word “and” immediately preceding it.

(3) After subsection (5) insert—

“(5A) The Board shall prepare and publish for each financial year a summary (its “performance summary”) of the Board’s assessment of—

(a) its and the Chief Constable’s performance in the year measured by reference to performance indicators;

(b) the extent to which any performance standard which applied at any time during that year was met.

(5B) The performance summary for a financial year may be published—

(a) with a report issued under section 57(1) for the year, or

(b) with the performance plan for the following year.”

(4) In subsection (6) after “performance plan” insert “or publishing its performance summary”.

(5) In subsection (7) at the end insert— “; and

“performance summary” means a summary prepared by the Board under subsection (5A)”.

(6) Subsections (1) to (5) have effect in relation to financial years ending on or after 31st March 2004.

9 Performance summaries: supplementary

(1) Part 5 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) (economy, efficiency and effectiveness) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (8).

(2) In section 29 (audit of performance plans) in subsection (1) after “performance plan” insert “and a performance summary”.

(3) In section 29(2) after “performance plan” insert “or a performance summary” and after “the plan” insert “or summary”.

(4) In section 29 after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A) In relation to a performance summary, the Comptroller and Auditor General shall issue a report—

(a) certifying that he has audited the summary;

(b) stating whether he believes that it was prepared and published in accordance with the requirements of section 28;

(c) if appropriate, recommending how it should be amended so as to accord with the requirements of section 28;

(d) recommending whether the Secretary of State should give a direction under section 31(2)(a).”

(5) In section 29(6) after “performance plan” insert “or a performance summary”.

(6) In section 29(7) after “subsection (4)” insert “or paragraph (c) or (d) of subsection (4A)”.

(7) In section 31 (enforcement of duties under section 28) in subsection (1) after “section 29(4)” insert “or (4A)”.

(8) In section 31 for subsection (3) substitute—

“(3) The Secretary of State shall have regard to any relevant statement before—

(a) giving a direction under subsection (2)(a) or (b) following a recommendation contained in a report by virtue of section 29(4)(c), (d) or (e);

(b) giving a direction under subsection (2)(a) following a recommendation contained in a report by virtue of section 29(4A)(c) or (d).

(4) A relevant statement is a statement submitted to the Secretary of State under section 29(10) before the end of the period mentioned in section 29(8).”

(9) Subsections (1) to (8) have effect in relation to financial years ending on or after 31st March 2004.

Reports and inquiries

10 Reports of Chief Constable

(1) Section 59 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) (general duty of Chief Constable to report to Board) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (4).

(2) For subsection (3) substitute—

“(3) The Chief Constable may refer to the Secretary of State a requirement to submit a report under subsection (1) if it appears to the Chief Constable that a report in compliance with the requirement would contain information which ought not to be disclosed on any of the grounds mentioned in section 76A(1).”

(3) In subsection (4) for the words from “in order to” to the end substitute “for either or both of the purposes mentioned in subsection (4A).”

(4) After subsection (4) insert—

“(4A) The purposes are—

(a) exempting the Chief Constable from the obligation to report to the Board information which, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, ought not to be disclosed on any of the grounds mentioned in section 76A(1);

(b) imposing on the Chief Constable an obligation to supply any such information to a special purposes committee.

(4B) Subsection (4D) applies if—

(a) a requirement to submit a report has been made under subsection (1);

(b) the Chief Constable has not referred the requirement to the Secretary of State under subsection (3);

(c) the Chief Constable is of the opinion that a report in compliance with the requirement would include information of a kind mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (4C).

(4C) The information is—

(a) information the disclosure of which would be likely to put an individual in danger, or

(b) information which ought not to be disclosed on any of the grounds mentioned in section 76A(1).

(4D) The Chief Constable may, instead of including the information in the report to the Board, supply it to a special purposes committee.

(4E) If the Chief Constable supplies information to a committee under subsection (4D) he shall prepare a summary of the information.

(4F) The Chief Constable shall try to obtain the agreement of the committee to the terms of the summary.

(4G) If the committee agrees to the terms of the summary, the Chief Constable shall include the summary in the report to the Board.

(4H) Subsection (4I) applies if—

(a) the Chief Constable supplies information to a committee under subsection (4D), or

(b) the Chief Constable includes information in a report to the Board and is of the opinion that the information is information of a kind mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (4C).

(4I) The Chief Constable must—

(a) inform the Secretary of State that the information has been included in a report to the Board or supplied to the committee;

(b) inform the Secretary of State and the recipient of the information that, in his opinion, the information is information of a kind mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (4C).”

(5) Subsections (1) to (4) have effect in relation to a requirement to submit a report under section 59(1) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) if—

(a) the Chief Constable has not referred the requirement to the Secretary of State under section 59(3) of that Act before the day on which this Act is passed;

(b) the Chief Constable has referred the requirement to the Secretary of State under section 59(3) of that Act before that day but the Secretary of State has not before that day decided whether to modify or set aside the requirement under section 59(4) of that Act.

11 Inquiries by Board

(1) Section 60 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (inquiry by Board following report by Chief Constable) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (4).

(2) For subsection (3) substitute—

“(3) The Chief Constable may refer to the Secretary of State the decision of the Board to cause an inquiry to be held under this section if it appears to the Chief Constable that such an inquiry ought not to be held on any of the grounds mentioned in section 76A(2).”

(3) In subsection (5) for “should not be held on a ground mentioned in subsection (3)” substitute “ought not to be held on any of the grounds mentioned in section 76A(2)”.

(4) After subsection (10) insert—

“(10A) Subsection (10B) applies if the Chief Constable supplies to a person conducting an inquiry under this section any information which in the opinion of the Chief Constable is—

(a) information the disclosure of which would be likely to put an individual in danger, or

(b) information which ought not to be disclosed on any of the grounds mentioned in section 76A(1).

(10B) The Chief Constable must—

(a) inform the Secretary of State and the Board that the information has been supplied to the person conducting the inquiry;

(b) inform the Secretary of State, the Board and the person conducting the inquiry that, in his opinion, the information is information of a kind mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (10A).”

(5) Subsections (1) to (4) have effect in relation to a decision of the Board to cause an inquiry to be held under section 60 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) if—

(a) the Chief Constable has not referred the decision to the Secretary of State under section 60(3) of that Act before the day on which this Act is passed;

(b) the Chief Constable has referred the decision to the Secretary of State under section 60(3) of that Act before that day but the Secretary of State has not before that day decided whether to overrule the decision under section 60(4) of that Act.

12 Approval of proposals relating to inquiries by Board

(1) Paragraph 18 of Schedule 1 to the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (procedure for decisions of Board relating to inquiries under section 60) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (4).

(2) In sub-paragraph (3) for “that day” substitute “the day on which the chairman calls the meeting”.

(3) In sub-paragraph (5) after “by” insert— “—

(a) a majority of members of the Board present and voting on the proposal, and

(b)”.

(4) In sub-paragraph (6)—

(a) for “10” substitute “8”;

(b) for “9” substitute “7”;

(c) for “8” substitute “6”.

(5) Subsections (1) to (4) have effect in relation to meetings under paragraph 18 of Schedule 1 to the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 called on or after the day on which this Act is passed.

The Police Ombudsman

13 Investigations into current police practices and policies

(1) After section 60 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (c. 32) insert—

“60A Investigations into current police practices and policies

(1) The Ombudsman may investigate a current practice or policy of the police if—

(a) the practice or policy comes to his attention under this Part, and

(b) he has reason to believe that it would be in the public interest to investigate the practice or policy.

(2) But subsection (1) does not authorise the Ombudsman to investigate a practice or policy to the extent that the practice or policy is concerned with conduct of a kind mentioned in section 65(5) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (conduct which may be within jurisdiction of tribunal established under section 65 of that Act).

(3) If the Ombudsman decides to conduct an investigation under this section he shall immediately inform the Chief Constable, the Board and the Secretary of State of—

(a) his decision to conduct the investigation,

(b) his reasons for making that decision, and

(c) the practice or policy into which the investigation is to be conducted.

(4) When an investigation under this section has been completed the Ombudsman shall report on it to the Chief Constable and the Board.

(5) The Ombudsman shall send a copy of his report to the Secretary of State, if the investigation relates wholly or in part to—

(a) a matter in respect of which a function is conferred or imposed on the Secretary of State by or under a statutory provision, or

(b) an excepted matter (within the meaning given by section 4 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998).”

(2) Section 61A of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 shall cease to have effect.

(3) In section 63(2A) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 for “report under section 61A” substitute “report of an investigation under section 60A”.

(4) In section 66 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) at the beginning insert “(1)” and at the end insert—

“(2) Subsection (3) applies if—

(a) the Chief Constable or the Board supplies information to the Ombudsman under subsection (1) for the purposes of or in connection with an investigation under section 60A of the 1998 Act;

(b) the person supplying the information is of the opinion that it is information of a kind mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (4).

(3) The person supplying the information must—

(a) inform the Secretary of State that the information has been supplied to the Ombudsman;

(b) inform the Secretary of State and the Ombudsman that, in his or its opinion, the information is information of a kind mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (4).

(4) The information referred to in subsections (2) and (3) is—

(a) information the disclosure of which would be likely to put an individual in danger;

(b) information which ought not to be disclosed on any of the grounds mentioned in section 76A(1).”

District policing partnerships

14 Independent members: appointment

In paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 to the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) (appointment of independent members of district policing partnerships) after sub-paragraph (1) insert—

“(1A) In appointing independent members of a DPP the Board shall so far as practicable secure that the members of the DPP (taken together) are representative of the community in the district.”

15 Independent members: declaration against terrorism

(1) Schedule 3 to the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (district policing partnerships) is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph 1 (interpretation) after sub-paragraph (3) insert—

“(3A) In this Schedule a “declaration against terrorism” means a declaration in the form set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Elected Authorities (Northern Ireland) Act 1989, with the substitution of the words “if appointed” for the words “if elected”.”

(3) In paragraph 5 (council’s nominations of independent members) in sub-paragraph (4) after “if” insert “(a)” and after “the DPP” insert— “, or

(b) he has not made a declaration against terrorism”.

(4) In paragraph 7 (removal of members from office) in sub-paragraph (1) after paragraph (a) insert—

“(aa) in the case of an independent member, he has acted in breach of the terms of a declaration against terrorism;”.

(5) In paragraph 7 after sub-paragraph (2) insert—

“(3) Section 6 of the Elected Authorities (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 applies to determine whether an independent member has acted in breach of the terms of a declaration against terrorism as it applies to determine whether a person who has made a declaration required for the purpose of section 3, 4 or 5 of that Act has acted in breach of the terms of the declaration.

(4) As applied by sub-paragraph (3), section 6 of the Elected Authorities (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 applies with the following modifications—

(a) in subsection (1), for the words from “after” to “the Assembly” substitute “when he is an independent member of a district policing partnership”;

(b) omit subsection (4);

(c) in subsection (5), in the definition of “public meeting” after paragraph (c) insert—

“(d) any meeting of a district policing partnership or a committee of a district policing partnership (whether or not a meeting which the public is permitted to attend), and

(e) any meeting of a sub-group established under section 21 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 or a committee of such a sub-group (whether or not a meeting which the public is permitted to attend), and”.”

(6) Subsections (1) to (5) come into force in accordance with provision made by the Secretary of State by order.

16 Independent members: disqualification

(1) In paragraph 8 of Schedule 3 to the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) (disqualification for membership of district policing partnership) for sub-paragraph (2) substitute—

“(2) A person is disqualified for being an independent member of a DPP if—

(a) he has been convicted in Northern Ireland or elsewhere of any offence and has had passed on him a sentence of imprisonment or detention, and

(b) the relevant period has not ended.

(3) The relevant period is the period of five years beginning with the person’s discharge in respect of the offence.

(4) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3) the following are to be treated as the discharge of a person (whether or not his release is subject to conditions)—

(a) his release on licence;

(b) his release in pursuance of a grant of remission.

(5) Sub-paragraph (4) does not apply in relation to the release of a person in respect of an offence if he is required to return to prison or detention for a further period in respect of the offence.

(6) Subject to sub-paragraph (7), the reference in sub-paragraph (2) to a sentence of imprisonment or detention does not include a suspended sentence.

(7) Sub-paragraph (6) does not apply in relation to a suspended sentence that has been ordered to take effect.

(8) In this paragraph “suspended sentence” means a sentence of imprisonment or detention that is ordered not to take effect unless the conditions specified in the order are met.”

(2) Subsection (1) comes into force in accordance with provision made by the Secretary of State by order.

17 Disqualification following removal from office

In paragraph 8 of Schedule 3 to the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) (disqualification for membershipof a district policing partnership), after sub-paragraph (1) insert—

“(1A) A person removed from office under paragraph 7(1) is disqualified for membership of a DPP until the date of the next local general election following his removal.”

18 Council’s powers

Schedule 3 to the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (district policing partnerships) shall be deemed to have been enacted with the following paragraphs inserted after paragraph 10—

“Indemnities

10A The council may indemnify a member of a DPP in respect of liability incurred by him in connection with the business of the DPP.

Insurance against accidents

10B (1) The council may insure against risks of a member of the DPP meeting with a personal accident, whether fatal or not, while he is engaged on the business of the DPP.

(2) Sub-paragraph (3) applies if the council receives a sum under any such insurance in respect of an accident to a member of the DPP.

(3) The council shall pay the sum to the member or his personal representatives, after deducting any expenses incurred in its recovery.

(4) The provisions of the Life Assurance Act 1774 as extended by the Life Insurance (Ireland) Act 1866 do not apply to any insurance under this paragraph.”

19 Belfast

(1) Schedule 1 makes provision in relation to Belfast.

(2) Subsection (1) comes into force in accordance with provision made by the Secretary of State by order.

Police functions and service

20 Core policing principles

(1) In Part 6 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (the police) at the beginning insert—

“Core policing principles

31A Core policing principles

(1) Police officers shall carry out their functions with the aim—

(a) of securing the support of the local community, and

(b) of acting in co-operation with the local community.

(2) In carrying out their functions, police officers shall be guided by the code of ethics under section 52.”

(2) In section 3 of that Act (general functions of Board), in subsection (3)(b) before sub-paragraph (i) insert—

“(ia) complying with section 31A(1);”.

(3) In section 57 of that Act (annual reports by Board), in subsection (2)(a) before sub-paragraph (i) insert—

“(ia) complying with section 31A(1);”.

(4) In section 32 of that Act (general functions of the police) subsections (4) and (5) shall cease to have effect.

(5) In section 27 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (c. 32) (members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland engaged on other police service), in subsection (7)(b) for “section 32” substitute “sections 31A and 32”.

21 Chief Constable’s functions

In section 33 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) (general functions of Chief Constable) for subsection (2) substitute—

“(2) The Chief Constable shall have regard to the policing plan in discharging his functions.

(3) The Chief Constable shall have regard to any code of practice under section 27 in discharging his functions.

(4) The duty under subsection (3) applies only so far as consistent with the duty under subsection (2).”

22 Provision of information to Board

After section 33 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) insert—

“33A Provision of information to Board

(1) The Chief Constable shall supply the Board with such information and documents as the Board may require for the purposes of, or in connection with, the exercise of any of its functions.

(2) Subsection (1) does not require the Chief Constable to supply any information to the Board if it appears to the Chief Constable that the information is—

(a) information the disclosure of which would be likely to put an individual in danger, or

(b) information which ought not to be disclosed on any of the grounds mentioned in section 76A(1).

(3) Subsection (4) applies if the Chief Constable supplies the Board with information which in his opinion is—

(a) information the disclosure of which would be likely to put an individual in danger, or

(b) information which ought not to be disclosed on any of the grounds mentioned in section 76A(1).

(4) The Chief Constable must—

(a) inform the Secretary of State that the information has been supplied to the Board;

(b) inform the Secretary of State and the Board that, in his opinion, the information is information of a kind mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (3).”

23 Appointment of constables with special policing skills

(1) The Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (5).

(2) In section 36 (appointments to the Police Service of Northern Ireland) after subsection (3) (training requirements for persons appointed to rank of constable) insert—

“(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to a person appointed in pursuance of an authorisation under section 47A(1).”

(3) After section 47 insert—

“47A Appointments to Police Service of Northern Ireland in special circumstances

(1) The Board may if requested to do so by the Chief Constable authorise the appointment to the rank of constable in the Police Service of Northern Ireland of a specified number of persons—

(a) who have a specified policing skill, but

(b) who have not complied with the requirements in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 36(3).

(2) The Board shall not give an authorisation under subsection (1) in relation to persons who have a particular policing skill unless it is satisfied—

(a) that the requirements of subsection (3) are met;

(b) that any further requirements which are specified by it under subsection (4) and which apply in relation to the giving of the authorisation are met.

(3) The requirements are—

(a) that there is a need for more persons who have the policing skill to be appointed to the rank of constable in the Police Service of Northern Ireland;

(b) that the need cannot be met by the appointment of persons who have complied with the requirements in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 36(3).

(4) The Board may specify further requirements which apply in relation to the giving of an authorisation under subsection (1).

(5) Any requirements specified under subsection (4) may apply in relation to the giving of all authorisations under subsection (1) or to the giving of aparticular authorisation or description of authorisation.

(6) In this section “specified” means specified by the Board.”

(4) In paragraph 17(4) of Schedule 1 (procedure for Board decisions) for “paragraph 18” substitute “paragraphs 17A and 18”.

(5) After paragraph 17 of Schedule 1 insert—

“Authorisations under section 47A(1)

17A The Board shall not give an authorisation under section 47A(1) unless a proposal to do so has been approved by each member of the Board present and voting on the question at a meeting of the Board.”

(6) The preceding provisions of this section expire at the end of a period of two years starting on the day on which this Act is passed.

(7) The Secretary of State may by order amend subsection (6) by substituting “four years” for “two years”.

(8) An order under subsection (7) may be made only with the prior authorisation of the Board.

(9) The Board shall not give an authorisation under subsection (8) unless a proposal to do so has been approved by each member of the Board present and voting on the question at a meeting of the Board.

(10) In paragraph 17(4) of Schedule 1 to the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) (procedure for Board decisions) after “18” insert “and section 23(9) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2003”.

(11) An order under subsection (7) may not be made after the end of the period of two years specified in subsection (6).

24 Fixed-term appointments

(1) After section 36 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 insert—

“36A Fixed-term appointments to the Police Service of Northern Ireland

(1) The Chief Constable may appoint a person to the Police Service of Northern Ireland for a fixed term not exceeding three years.

(2) Appointments under subsection (1) shall be in accordance with regulations under section 25 of the 1998 Act.

(3) A person shall not be appointed under subsection (1) to the rank of constable or the rank of a senior officer.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order make such modifications as he considers necessary or expedient to any provision of the 1998 Act or this Act in its application to persons appointed under subsection (1).

(5) The Secretary of State shall consult the Board and the Police Association before making an order under subsection (4).”

(2) In section 25(6) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (c. 32) (regulations as to conditions of service of members of Police Service of Northern Ireland) after “except” insert— “—

(a) as permitted by section 36A of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000; or

(b)”.

25 Members of PSNI engaged on other police service

In section 27 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (members of Police Service of Northern Ireland engaged on other police service) after subsection (6) insert—

“(6A) Regulations made by virtue of section 25(3) or (4) in relation to a member of the PSNI who has completed a period of relevant service within subsection (1)(d) may provide for a relevant procedure to be treated for the purposes of the regulations as carried out in accordance with procedures for which provision is made by regulations made by virtue of section 25(3).

(6B) In subsection (6A) “relevant procedure” means an investigation, hearing or other procedure carried out in relation to the person concerned in a country or territory outside the United Kingdom in connection with the person’s relevant service.”

26 Protected disclosures by police officers

(1) After Article 67K of the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/1919 (N.I.16)) insert—

“67KA Application of Part VA and related provisions to police

(1) Paragraph (2) applies for the purposes of—

(a) this Part,

(b) Article 70B and Articles 71 and 72 so far as relating to that Article, and

(c) Article 134A and the other provisions of Part XI so far as they relate to the right not to be unfairly dismissed in a case where the dismissal is unfair by virtue of Article 134A.

(2) A person who holds, otherwise than under a contract of employment, the office of constable shall be treated as an employee employed by the relevant officer under a contract of employment; and any reference to a worker being “employed” and to his “employer” shall be construed accordingly.

(3) In this Article “the relevant officer”—

(a) in relation to a police officer, means the Chief Constable;

(b) in relation to a person holding office under section 9(1)(b) of the Police Act 1997 (police members of the National Criminal Intelligence Service) means the Director General of the NationalCriminal Intelligence Service; and

(c) in relation to any other person holding the office of constable, means the person who has the direction and control of the body of constables in question.”

(2) In Article 243(1) of that Order (provisions which do not apply to persons engaged in police service under a contract of employment)—

(a) omit the words “Part VA,”;

(b) after “Articles 132” insert “, 134A”;

(c) after “Article 132” insert “or 134A”.

(3) Article 16 of the Public Interest Disclosure (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (S.I. 1998/1763 (N.I. 17)) (exclusion of police service from provisions about protected disclosures) shall cease to have effect.

(4) Subsections (1) to (3) come into force in accordance with provision made by the Secretary of State by order.

Information and inquiries

27 Restriction on disclosure of information

(1) After section 74 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) insert—

“74A Restriction on disclosure of information

(1) This section applies if information is supplied in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2), (3), (4) or (5).

(2) The circumstances are that—

(a) the information is supplied by the Chief Constable to a person conducting an inquiry under section 60;

(b) the person has been appointed under section 60(9) to conduct the inquiry;

(c) the Chief Constable informs the person that, in his opinion, the information is information of a kind mentioned in section 60(10A)(a) or (b).

(3) The circumstances are that—

(a) the information is supplied by the Chief Constable under section 33A to the Board;

(b) the Chief Constable informs the Board that, in his opinion,the information is information of a kind mentioned in section 33A(3)(a) or (b).

(4) The circumstances are that—

(a) the information is supplied by the Chief Constable under section 59 to the Board or a special purposes committee;

(b) the Chief Constable informs the Board or the committee that, in his opinion, the information is information of a kind mentioned in section 59(4C)(a) or (b).

(5) The circumstances are that—

(a) the information is supplied by a person conducting an inquiry under section 60 or by a person who is assisting or has assisted in the conduct of such an inquiry to a special purposes committee;

(b) the information was supplied to the person conducting the inquiry in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2).

(6) If information is supplied in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2), the information must not be disclosed by the person who is conducting or has conducted the inquiry or by a person who is assisting or has assisted in the conduct of the inquiry except—

(a) to a person who is assisting in the conduct of the inquiry;

(b) to the Secretary of State;

(c) to the Chief Constable;

(d) to the Ombudsman, or an officer of the Ombudsman, in connection with any function of the Ombudsman;

(e) to a special purposes committee;

(f) for the purposes of any criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings;

(g) in the form of a summary or other general statement made by the person the terms of which have been agreed with the Chief Constable.

(7) If information is supplied in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (3), (4) or (5), the information must not be disclosed by a person who is or has been a member of the Board or a member of the staff of the Board except—

(a) in the case of information supplied to the Board, to a member of the Board or a member of the staff of the Board;

(b) in the case of information supplied to a special purposes committee, to a member of the committee or a member of the staff of the Board who provides services to the committee;

(c) to the Secretary of State;

(d) to the Chief Constable;

(e) to the Ombudsman, or an officer of the Ombudsman, in connection with any function of the Ombudsman;

(f) for the purposes of any criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings;

(g) in the form of a summary or other general statement made by the Board the terms of which have been agreed with the Chief Constable.

(8) Any person who discloses information in contravention of this section shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(9) In this section—

• “member of the staff of the Board” means—

  (a)

  a person employed by the Board under paragraph 13(1) of Schedule 1;

  (b)

  a person employed in the civil service who provides assistance for the Board in pursuance of arrangements made under paragraph 13(2) of Schedule 1; and

• “officer of the Ombudsman” has the meaning given by section 50(1) of the 1998 Act.”

(2) In section 59(5) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) at the beginning insert “Subject to section 74A(7)”.

28 Special committee of the Board

(1) Paragraph 24 of Schedule 1 to the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (committees of the Board) is amended as set out in subsections (2) and (3).

(2) In sub-paragraph (1) after “The Board may” insert “, subject to sub-paragraphs (1A) to (1E)”.

(3) After sub-paragraph (1) insert—

“(1A) The Board shall constitute a committee of its members for the purposes mentioned in sub-paragraph (1B) if—

(a) the Chief Constable informs the Board that he wishes to supply information to a committee of the Board under section 59(4D),

(b) the Secretary of State informs the Board that he proposes to modify a requirement to submit a report under section 59(1) for the purpose mentioned in section 59(4A)(b), or

(c) a person who is conducting or has conducted an inquiry under section 60, or who is assisting or has assisted in the conduct of such an inquiry, informs the Board that he wishes to disclose information to a committee of the Board under section 74A(6).

(1B) The purposes are—

(a) handling information supplied to the committee by the Chief Constable under section 59;

(b) handling information supplied to it by a person who is conducting or has conducted an inquiry under section 60 or by a person who is assisting or has assisted in the conduct of such an inquiry.

(1C) The Board may not constitute a committee of its members for the purposes mentioned in sub-paragraph (1B) if a committee of its members has already been constituted for those purposes under sub-paragraph (1) or (1A).

(1D) A committee constituted under sub-paragraph (1) or (1A) for the purposes mentioned in sub-paragraph (1B) shall consist of 7 members of the Board.

(1E) The members of a committee constituted under sub-paragraph (1) or (1A) for the purposes mentioned in sub-paragraph (1B)—

(a) shall be appointed by the Board;

(b) shall include the chairman or vice-chairman of the Board (or both of them);

(c) shall as far as practicable be representative of the Board.”

(4) In section 77(1) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (interpretation) at the appropriate place insert—

““special purposes committee” means a committee constituted by the Board under paragraph 24(1) or (1A) of Schedule 1 for the purposes mentioned in paragraph 24(1B) of that Schedule;”.

29 Disclosure of information and holding of inquiries

(1) After section 76 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) insert—

“76A Disclosure of information and holding of inquiries

(1) For the purposes of sections 33A, 59 and 66, the grounds on which information ought not to be disclosed are that—

(a) it is in the interests of national security;

(b) the information is sensitive personnel information;

(c) the information would, or would be likely to, prejudice proceedings which have been commenced in a court of law.

(2) For the purposes of section 60, the grounds on which an inquiry ought not to be held are that—

(a) it is in the interests of national security;

(b) any matter into which inquiry is to be made is a sensitive personnel matter;

(c) the inquiry would, or would be likely to, prejudice proceedings which have been commenced in a court of law.

(3) “Personnel information” means information which relates to an individual’s holding of, application for or appointment to a relevant office or employment.

(4) “Personnel matter” means a matter which relates to an individual’s holding of, application for or appointment to a relevant office or employment.

(5) An office or employment is a relevant office or employment for the purposes of subsections (3) and (4) if the holder of it is under the direction and control of the Chief Constable.

(6) It is immaterial for the purposes of subsections (3) and (4) that the individual no longer holds the office or employment.”

(2) Subsection (1) has effect for the purposes of section 59 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 in accordance with section 10(5) of this Act.

(3) Subsection (1) has effect for the purposes of section 60 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 in accordance with section 11(5) of this Act.