(1)The Secretary of State may appoint a Commissioner to discharge the general function mentioned in subsection (3).
(2)A person for the time being holding the office of Commissioner under subsection (1) is referred to in this Act as “the Commissioner”.
(3)The Commissioner’s general function is to oversee the implementation of changes in the policing of Northern Ireland (including, in particular, those resulting from this Act) described in his terms of reference.
(4)Schedule 4, which makes further provision about the Commissioner, shall have effect.
(5)The office of Commissioner shall cease to exist on 31st May 2003, unless before that date an order is made under subsection (6).
(6)The Secretary of State may by order provide that the office of Commissioner (whether or not it then exists as a result of a previous order under this subsection) shall continue to exist for a period not exceeding three years from the date on which the order comes into operation.