ABSTRACT
The Home Secretary deals with all of those internal affairs in England and Wales that have not been assigned to other government departments. The Home Secretary must exercise his powers under the Police Acts in a way that is calculated to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the police. The Home Secretary is the police authority for the Metropolitan Police, but he has no direct responsibility for the operations of provincial police forces in England and Wales or for the National Criminal Intelligence Service or the National Crime Squad. The appointment of the chief officers by a police or national authority is subject to the approval of the Home Secretary. Home Office Circulars are letters sent to chief constables and police/service authorities although those that relate to sensitive operational or security matters are restricted to chief constables and directors general.
