ABSTRACT
HM Inspectors of Constabulary (HMIC) are appointed by the Home Secretary on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. The first appointment of HMIC occurred in 1856 to coincide with the authorised payment of a police grant by central government. Following the annual inspection of a police force a certificate of efficiency will be issued if the force merits it. HM Inspectors must keep themselves informed as to the working of the complaints and discipline procedures within the forces that they are inspecting. The National Criminal Intelligence Service and the National Crime Squad are both subject to HMIC inspection as appropriate and the Home Secretary may at any time require HMIC to inspect them. The HMCIC must submit an annual report to the Home Secretary on the findings of the inspectorate during the year. A copy of this report must be laid before Parliament.
