Energy Act 2004

Directions with respect to the Constabulary

2 (1) The Secretary of State may give directions to the Police Authority requiring it to secure—

(a) that such tasks are performed by members of the Constabulary as are set out in the direction, or as are determined under it;

(b) that the tasks so set out or determined are performed in the manner so set out or determined;

(c) that the financial and other resources available to the Police Authority are allocated and used in such manner as is so set out or determined;

(d) that the practices and procedures relating to security that are so set out or determined are adopted and followed by members of the Police Authority;

(e) that the practices and procedures (relating to security or any other matter) that are so set out or determined are adopted and followed by and in relation to members of the Constabulary and other employees of the Police Authority, and in relation to their appointment as such;

(f) that the practices and procedures (relating to security or any other matter) that are so set out or determined are adopted and followed in relation to agreements between the Police Authority and other persons;

(g) that the criteria so set out or determined are applied in assessing the performance of members of the Constabulary and of other employees of the Police Authority, and in determining their operational, training and equipment needs; and

(h) that such officers of the Secretary of State’s department as are so set out or determined are given an entitlement, for the purpose of enabling them to monitor or inspect the activities of the Police Authority and of its employees, to have access to or make use of—

(i) premises occupied by or under the control of the Police Authority;

(ii) apparatus maintained for use by members or employees of the Police Authority; and

(iii) documents and records in the custody or under the control of the Police Authority or of the chief constable.

(2) The Secretary of State may also give the Police Authority such other general or specific directions as he considers appropriate for securing the efficient and effective operation of the Constabulary.

(3) Before giving a direction under this paragraph, the Secretary of State must consult—

(a) the Police Authority; and

(b) the chief constable.

(4) In this paragraph references to adopting and following practices or procedures include references to meeting and complying with standards or guidelines.