Part 2: Police Complaints, Discipline and Inspection Chapter 6: Inspection Section 37: Inspectors and inspections: miscellaneous
Subsection (1) inserts a new subsection (7) into section 54 of the 1996 Act. New subsection (7) defines a 'police force' for the purposes of section 54 of that Act and therefore the scope of HMIC’s remit. The new definition includes staff appointed by the chief officer of the police force; PCC staff if, or to the extent that, they are employed to assist the police force; and persons contracted to assist the police force.
	Section 55 of the 1996 Act provides for the publication of HMIC reports. Subsection (2) inserts new subsections (5A) and (5B) into section 55. New subsection (5A) introduces a 56 day time limit for a PCC to prepare and publish their comments on HMIC reports. New subsection (5B) introduces a new requirement for a PCC's comments to address each recommendation made in an HMIC report. These new provisions will bring the requirements relating to HMIC reports into line with those relating to IPCC reports and Coroners’ 'Action to prevent other deaths notices'.
	Section 55(6) of the 1996 Act currently requires PCCs to send a copy of their comments in response to an HMIC report to the Secretary of State (in practice, the Home Secretary). Subsection (3) amends this to require PCCs to also send a copy of their comments to HMIC. This will ensure that HMIC is aware of all PCCs’ responses to their reports.
	Currently section 56 of the 1996 Act requires the Home Secretary to appoint Assistant Inspectors of Constabulary ("AICs"). Subsection (4) amends section 56 to transfer responsibility for AIC appointments to the chief inspector of constabulary. This will enable HMIC to respond more flexibly to emerging resource requirements.
	Subsection (5) amends paragraph 2 of Schedule 4A to the 1996 Act. Paragraph 2 currently requires HMCIC to prepare an inspection programme and inspection framework. Subsection (5)(a) and (b) move the requirement from HMCIC to the inspectors of constabulary. This is intended to reflect the fact that HMIC inspections are undertaken by all of the HMIs rather than HMCIC specifically. Subsection (5)(c) inserts new sub-paragraphs (6) and (7) into paragraph 2 of Schedule 4A, these will enable HMCIC to initiate inspections outside of the inspection programme referred to in paragraph 2(1)(a). This is intended to allow HMIC greater flexibility to respond to emerging risks and issues.
	Subsection (6) inserts new subsections (1A) and (1B) into paragraph 4 of Schedule 6 to the 2013 Act. Paragraph 4 of that Act requires the Director General of the NCA to prepare comments on any HMIC inspection of the NCA. New paragraph 4(1A) requires these comments to be prepared within 56 days of the report being published by the Secretary of State (in practice the Home Secretary). New paragraph 4(1B) requires these comments to address each recommendation made by HMIC. This is intended to bring the requirements relating to NCA responses to HMIC reports into line with the new requirements relating to PCC comments as provided for in subsection (2).