Commentary on Sections Chapter 3: Civil Nuclear Constabulary Section 61 and Schedule 12: Planning and reports
196.Section 61 should be read in conjunction with Schedule 12. The Schedule is based on provisions of the Police Act 1996 (c.16), differing only where necessary to meet the specific needs of the Civil Nuclear Police Authority. The intention is to ensure that, as far as possible within the NDPB framework and the interests of national security, the Authority operates under the same framework of governance and openness as Home Office and other forces. The Police Authority is required to produce annual policing objectives for the Constabulary, which must be consistent with directions issued by the Secretary of State, and to have regard to the National Policing Plan and general policing objectives set by the Home Office. The Government also intends that the Police Authority should have regard to any similar document describing national policing priorities in Scotland.
197.The Schedule also requires the Police Authority to produce an annual policing plan setting out the means by which the objectives are to be met and the financial resources available. The Police Authority will also have to issue a three-year strategy plan. These plans are to be published.
198.Part 2 of Schedule 12 sets out the reports that the Police Authority and the Chief Constable are obliged to provide. Again the intention is to replicate the requirements on other police forces as far as is practicable within the constraints of national security. The Police Authority will be required to issue an annual report, which the Secretary of State will publish and lay before both Houses of Parliament.
199.The Police Authority will also be able to require the Chief Constable to report to it on any policing matter. The Secretary of State will have a similar power to require the Police Authority and the Chief Constable to report to him on any policing matter. These provisions mirror those for other police forces.