The Act Schedule 3Part 3: Investigations and subsequent proceedings Section 22: Power of the Commission to issue guidance
162.This section enables the Commission, with the approval of the Secretary of State, to issue guidance to police authorities, chief officers and others serving with the police. The guidance will be on the exercise or performance of the duties and powers placed on them for the handling of complaints, conduct matters or any other related matters. The purpose of such guidance will be to encourage good practice and achieve commonality in the use of the arrangements secured by the Commission for the effective and efficient arrangements for the handling of all such matters. Before issuing guidance under this section, the Commission must consult those whom it considers represent the interests of police authorities and chief officers of police. It is anticipated, in line with the practice of the Secretary of State where this formulation is used in existing legislation, that the Commission will consult the APA and ACPO and/or CPOSA. The Commission may also consult anyone else it chooses. Apart from guidance under section 14 in relation to complaints dealing with direction and control, the Secretary of State will no longer issue guidance in relation to complaints.