Police Act 1996

Inspectors of constabulary E+W

54 Appointment and functions of inspectors of constabulary. E+W

(1) Her Majesty may appoint such number of inspectors (to be known as “Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Constabulary”) as the Secretary of State may with the consent of the Treasury determine, and of the persons so appointed one may be appointed as chief inspector of constabulary.

(2) The inspectors of constabulary shall inspect, and report F1 ... on the efficiency and effectiveness of, every police force maintained for a police area F2 ... F3 ... F4 ....

F5 (2A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F6 (2B) The Secretary of State may at any time require the inspectors of constabulary to carry out an inspection under this section of a police force maintained for any police area; and a requirement under this subsection may include a requirement for the inspection to be confined to a particular part of the force in question, to particular matters or to particular activities of that force.]

[F7 (2BA) The local policing body for a police area may at any time request the inspectors of constabulary to carry out an inspection under this section of a police force maintained for that police area; and a request under this subsection may include a request for the inspection to be confined to a particular part of the force in question, to particular matters or to particular activities of that force.

(2BB) Where a local policing body requests the inspectors to carry out an inspection under subsection (2BA), the body must pay to the inspectors such reasonable costs incurred or to be incurred in connection with the inspection as the inspectors may require.]

F8 (2C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F9 (2D) It shall be the duty of the chief inspector of constabulary—

(a) to enter into arrangements with the [F10 Director General of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (“the Director General”)] for the purpose of securing cooperation, in the carrying out of their respective functions, between the inspectors of constabulary and [F11 the Director General]; and

(b) to ensure that inspectors of constabulary provide [F12 the Director General] with all such assistance and co-operation as may be required by those arrangements or as otherwise appears to the chief inspector to be appropriate for facilitating the carrying out by [F12 the Director General] of [F13 his or her] functions.]

(3) The inspectors of constabulary shall carry out such other duties for the purpose of furthering police efficiency and effectiveness as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct.

F14 (3A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The chief inspector of constabulary shall in each year submit to the Secretary of State a report [F15 on the carrying out of inspections under this section], and the [F16 chief inspector] shall lay a copy of that report before Parliament.

[F17 (4A) A report under subsection (4) must include the chief inspector's assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of policing in England and Wales for the year in respect of which the report is prepared.]

(5) The inspectors of constabulary shall be paid such salary and allowances as the Secretary of State may with the consent of the Treasury determine.

[F18 (6) Schedule 4A (which makes further provision about the inspectors of constabulary) has effect.]

[F19 (7) For the purposes of this section, a police force includes—

(a) staff appointed by the chief officer of police of the police force;

[F20 (aa) persons designated as community support volunteers or policing support volunteers under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002;]

(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.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 54(2) omitted (16.1.2012) by virtue of Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 83(2), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F2 Word in s. 54(2) repealed (1.4.2002) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 137, 138(2), Sch. 7 Pt. 3; S.I. 2002/533, art. 2(e)

F3 Words in s. 54(2) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), s. 178(8), Sch. 4 para. 71(2), Sch. 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 10, 13(y)

F4 Words in s. 54(2) repealed (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 28 Pt. 8; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 50(7)(a)

F5 S. 54(2A) omitted (22.11.2012) by virtue of Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 83(3), 157(1); S.I. 2012/2892, art. 2(a)

F6 S. 54(2B) substituted (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), s. 178(8), Sch. 4 para. 71(3); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 10

F7 S. 54(2BA)(2BB) inserted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 83(4), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F8 S. 54(2C) omitted (16.1.2012) by virtue of Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 83(5), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F9 S. 54(2D) inserted (1.4.2004) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), s. 108(2), Sch. 7 para. 15; S.I. 2004/913, art. 2(e)

F10 Words in s. 54(2D)(a) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 65(4)(a)(i); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F11 Words in s. 54(2D)(a) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 65(4)(a)(ii); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F12 Words in s. 54(2D)(b) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 65(4)(b)(i); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F13 Words in s. 54(2D)(b) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 65(4)(b)(ii); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F14 S. 54(3A) repealed (19.4.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 2(2), 116(1), Sch. 8 Pt. 1; S.I. 2010/999, arts. 2(d), 4 (as amended by S.I. 2010/1986, art. 3)

F15 Words in s. 54(4) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 83(6)(a), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F16 Words in s. 54(4) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 83(6)(b), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F17 S. 54(4A) inserted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 83(7), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F18 S. 54(6) inserted (1.4.2007) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), ss. 29(1), 53(1); S.I. 2007/709, art. 3(m) (with art. 6)

F19 S. 54(7) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 37(1), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(a)

F20 S. 54(7)(aa) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 43(1), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(i) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 54 applied (1.4.2002) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 93(1), 138(2); S.I. 2002/533, art. 2(a)

C2 Ss. 54-56: power to apply conferred (7.4.2005) by Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 (c. 11), ss. 27(2)(a)(i), 53(1); S.I. 2005/1126, art. 2(1)

C3 Ss. 54-56: power to apply conferred (21.7.2009) by Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 (c. 11), ss. 29(2)(a), 58(1) (with s. 36(4))

C4 Ss. 54, 55: power to apply conferred (28.1.2016 for specified purposes, 28.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by 2009 c. 20, Sch. 5C para. 11(1)(d) (as inserted by Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016 (c. 1), s. 25(2), Sch. 2)

C5 S. 54(2D) applied (10.12.2012) by The Customs (Inspections by Her Majestys Inspectors of Constabulary and the Scottish Inspectors) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2840), regs. 1, 11(1)

C6 S. 54(2D) power to apply (with modifications) conferred (1.11.2022 for specified purposes, 20.2.2023 for specified purposes) by 2006 c. 52, s. 340P(3) (as inserted by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), ss. 11(3), 24(1); S.I. 2022/1095, reg. 3; S.I. 2023/158, reg. 4)

C7 S. 54(2D) power to apply (with modifications) conferred (1.11.2022 for specified purposes, 20.2.2023 for specified purposes, 19.6.2023 in so far as not already in force) by 2006 c. 52, s. 340P(3) (as inserted by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), ss. 11(3), 24(1); S.I. 2022/1095, reg. 3; S.I. 2023/158, reg. 4; S.I. 2023/621, reg. 2)

55 Publication of reports. E+W

[F21 (1) The inspectors of constabulary must arrange for any report prepared under section 54 to be published in such manner as appears to the inspectors to be appropriate.]

[F22 (2) But the inspectors of constabulary must exclude from publication under subsection (1) anything that the inspectors consider—

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

(b) might jeopardise the safety of any person.]

[F22 (2A) The inspectors must disclose to the Secretary of State anything excluded from publication by virtue of subsection (2).]

[F23 (3) The inspectors of constabulary must send a copy of the published report to—

(a) the Secretary of State,

(b) the local policing body maintaining the police force to which the report relates,

(c) the chief officer of police of that police force, and

(d) any police and crime panel established under section 28 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 for the police area of that police force.]

(4) The [F24 local policing body] shall invite the chief officer of police to submit comments on the published report to the [F25 body] before such date as it may specify.

(5) The [F26 local policing body] shall prepare comments on the published report and shall arrange for—

(a) its comments,

(b) any comments submitted by the chief officer of police in accordance with subsection (4), and

(c) any response which the [F27 body] has to the comments submitted by the chief officer of police,

to be published in such manner as appears to the [F27 body] to be appropriate.

[F28 (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.]

(6) The [F29 local policing body] F30 ... shall send a copy of any document published under subsection (5) [F31 to—

(a) the inspectors of constabulary, and

(b) the Secretary of State.]

F32 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F33 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F21 S. 55(1) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 84(2), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F22 S. 55(2)(2A) substituted for s. 55(2) (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 84(3), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F23 S. 55(3) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 84(4), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F24 Words in s. 55(4) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 84(5)(a), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F25 Word in s. 55(4) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 84(5)(b), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F26 Words in s. 55(5) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 84(6)(a), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F27 Words in s. 55(5)(c) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 84(6)(b), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F28 S. 55(5A)(5B) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 37(2), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(a) (with reg. 7)

F29 Words in s. 55(6) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 84(7), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F30 Words in s. 55(6) repealed (3.7.2000) by virtue of 1999 c. 29, ss. 325, 423, Sch. 27 para. 96, Sch. 34 Pt. VII (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)) which provides that the words “(except where he is himself the police authority)" shall be repealed; S.I. 2000/1648, art. 2, Sch.

F31 Words in s. 55(6) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 37(3), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(a)

F32 S. 55(7) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), s. 178(8), Sch. 4 para. 72, Sch. 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 10, 13(y)

F33 S. 55(8) omitted (16.1.2012) by virtue of Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 84(8), 157(1); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 Ss. 54-56: power to apply conferred (7.4.2005) by Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 (c. 11), ss. 27(2)(a)(i), 53(1); S.I. 2005/1126, art. 2(1)

C3 Ss. 54-56: power to apply conferred (21.7.2009) by Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 (c. 11), ss. 29(2)(a), 58(1) (with s. 36(4))

C4 Ss. 54, 55: power to apply conferred (28.1.2016 for specified purposes, 28.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by 2009 c. 20, Sch. 5C para. 11(1)(d) (as inserted by Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016 (c. 1), s. 25(2), Sch. 2)

C8 S. 55 applied (with modifications) (1.7.2004) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), s. 63(6); S.I. 2004/1572, art. 3(tt)

56 Assistant inspectors and staff officers. E+W

(1) The [F34 chief inspector of constabulary] may appoint assistant inspectors of constabulary.

(2) Members of a police force may be appointed by the [F34 chief inspector of constabulary] to be assistant inspectors of constabulary or to be staff officers to the inspectors of constabulary.

(3) Persons appointed under this section shall be paid such salary and allowances as the Secretary of State may with the consent of the Treasury determine.

Textual Amendments

F34 Words in s. 56(1)(2) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 37(4), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 Ss. 54-56: power to apply conferred (7.4.2005) by Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 (c. 11), ss. 27(2)(a)(i), 53(1); S.I. 2005/1126, art. 2(1)

C3 Ss. 54-56: power to apply conferred (21.7.2009) by Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 (c. 11), ss. 29(2)(a), 58(1) (with s. 36(4))

C9 S. 56 modified (29.4.2005) by The Revenue and Customs (Inspections) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/1133), regs. 1, 10(1)