(1)Subject to the provisions of this section, on the recommendation of the chief constable of a police force the police authority may pay such sums by way of reward as they think fit—
(a)to any constable (other than the chief constable) of the police force who in their opinion has conducted himself in the performance of his duty with exceptional merit, or
(b)to any constable (other than the chief constable) of another police force who, while serving with the first-mentioned force in pursuance of the provisions of this Act relating to the mutual aid of police forces or to collaboration agreements, has in their opinion conducted himself in the performance of his duty with exceptional merit, or
(c)to any person who in their opinion has substantially contributed to the fulfilment of the functions of the police force.
(2)The aggregate of payments made under subsection (1) of this section by a police authority in any year shall not exceed such sum as may be approved by the Secretary of State.