The Act Commentary on Sections Part 1: Police Reform Paragraphs 24 to 26: Secretary of State’s strategic functions in relation to police authorities
97.Paragraph 24 repeals sections 36A (under which the Secretary of State is under a duty to issue an annual National Policing Plan) and 37 (under which he may determine objectives for police authorities by order) of the 1996 Act.
98.Paragraph 25 inserts a new section 37A into the 1996 Act. Subsection (1) of the new section gives the Secretary of State the power to determine the strategic priorities for police authorities. Subsection (2) sets out that the APA and ACPO must be consulted before the Secretary of State can determine the strategic priorities. Subsection (3) makes provision for the Secretary of State to publish the priorities in an appropriate manner. Subsection (4) provides that the strategic priorities will apply to the police authorities established by section 3 of the 1996 Act and the Metropolitan Police Authority.
99.Paragraph 26 makes consequential amendments to section 38 of the 1996 Act, under which the Secretary of State may direct police authorities to establish levels of performance in relation to the strategic priorities set under the new section 37A.