ABSTRACT
The chief constable is appointed by the police authority responsible for maintaining the force, but subject to the approval of the Home Secretary and to regulations made under the Police Act. The police authority must appoint, after consultation with the chief constable, and subject to the approval of the Home Secretary, at least one person as an assistant chief constable. Before each financial year the chief constable must prepare and submit a draft local policing plan for the consideration of the police authority. If required so to do, the chief constable will make a report to the Home Secretary on any specified matter concerned with the policing of his area and he will make arrangements to publish the report. The chief constable’s internal regulation of his force can be questioned in the courts as was illustrated in a case brought by the Police Federation regarding the number of police officers appointed to fulfil particular duties prescribed by law.
