Scottish Police Authority

The Scottish Police Authority (SPA), (Ùghdarras Poilis na h-Alba), is a public body of the Scottish Government which holds Police Scotland, the national police service, to account. Both bodies were established on 1 April 2013[1] following an announcement on 8 September 2011 in which the Scottish Government confirmed a single police service would be created to replace the existing eight forces, the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Scottish Police Services Authority.[2]

Scottish Police Authority
Agency overview
TypePolice Authority
JurisdictionScotland
Headquarters1 Pacific Quay, Glasgow, G51 1DZ
Minister responsible
Agency executives
Parent departmentScottish Government
Websitewww.spa.police.uk
Map
Scotland in the UK and Europe

After a further consultation on the detailed operation of the police service, the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill was published on 17 January 2012.[3] After scrutiny and debate by the Scottish Parliament, the legislation was approved on 27 June 2012.[4] It received Royal Assent in August.

One of the key provisions of the legislation includes clear responsibilities for the Chief Constable and, to ensure continued separation from Ministers, a new Scottish Police Authority with 11 to 15 members and a clear and strong remit to effectively hold the Chief Constable to account.

The Scottish Police Authority is responsible for maintaining the Police Service. It is accountable to Ministers and Parliament and it is supported by a senior officer and small staff team to help it perform its role. Its functions are:

  • Allocate resources
  • Hold Chief Constable to account for all his/her functions, including operational policing
  • Appoint senior officers and staff
  • Require information and reports from the Chief Constable if necessary - though Chief can appeal to Ministers if of the view it might prejudice an operation or the prosecution of offenders
  • Prepare and publish Strategic Plan and Annual Plan - setting out objectives and arrangements for achieving those objectives
  • Prepare and publish Annual Report – assessment of progress against objectives
  • Establish and maintain forensic services – separate from Chief Constable’s direct line of command

Board

The Board comprises 11 members. The current Board members are:

  • David Crichton, Interim Chair - formerly Vice Chair
  • Elaine Wilkinson
  • Grant Macrae
  • Matt Smith OBE DL
  • Caroline Stuart
  • Robert Hayes
  • Tom Halpin QPM
  • Jane Ryder OBE
  • Mary Pitcaithly
  • Michelle Miller
  • Martyn Evans
  • Gordon Dewar

See also
  • Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland

References
  1. Scottish Government news release 21 February 2012 - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/02/policeandfireheadquarters
  2. Scottish Government news release 8 September 2011 - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/09/08142643
  3. Scottish Government news release 17 January 2012 - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/Police-Fire17012012
  4. Scottish Government news release 27 June 2012 - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/06/policeandfirereformstage327062012
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