(1)In carrying out his functions in any financial year, the chief constable must have regard to—
(a)the annual policing plan for that year issued by the Police Authority under paragraph 2 of Schedule 12; and
(b)the three-year strategy plan most recently issued by the Police Authority under paragraph 3 of that Schedule for a period that includes that year.
(2)The deputy chief constable may perform a function of the chief constable—
(a)while the chief constable is unable to act or unavailable;
(b)during a vacancy in the office of chief constable; or
(c)with the consent of the chief constable.
(3)A consent for the purposes of subsection (2)(c) may be either general or specific.
(4)The Police Authority may authorise an assistant chief constable to perform a function of the chief constable—
(a)while both the chief constable and the deputy chief constable are unable to act or unavailable; or
(b)while the offices of chief constable and deputy chief constable are both vacant.
(5)At any one time, only one person may be authorised to act under subsection (4).
(6)No person shall be entitled by virtue of subsection (2)(a) or (b) or an authorisation under subsection (4) to act for a continuous period exceeding three months, except with the consent of the Secretary of State.