Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011

Official Summary

A Bill to make provision about the administration and governance of police forces; about the licensing of, and for the imposition of a late night levy in relation to, the sale and supply of alcohol; for the repeal of sections 132 to 138 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 and for the prohibition of certain activities in Parliament Square; to enable provision in local authority byelaws to include powers of seizure and forfeiture; about the control of dangerous or otherwise harmful drugs; to restrict the issue of arrest warrants for certain extra-territorial offences; and for connected purposes.

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Overview

This bill, the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, primarily focuses on altering the structure and governance of police forces in England and Wales. Key changes include establishing Police Commissions, revising the election dates for Police and Crime Commissioners, and clarifying the responsibilities of acting chief constables.

Description

The bill makes significant changes to police governance. It introduces "Police Commissions" for each police area, composed of a Police and Crime Commissioner and a Police and Crime Panel. The Police and Crime Commissioner will be appointed from within the Panel. The bill also amends the election dates for Police and Crime Commissioners. The original election date for 2012 is set in the bill as November 15th 2012. The bill sets ordinary election dates for subsequent years, but allows the Secretary of State to specify different dates via order, subject to certain conditions. Further amendments clarify the powers and responsibilities of acting chief constables (deputy or assistant chief constables temporarily filling the role of chief constable) and their relationship with the Police and Crime Commissioner. Finally, the bill modifies the definition of “chief officer” in Schedule 16, to include acting chief officers, ensuring consistent application across various provisions of the Act.

Government Spending

The bill's direct impact on government spending is not explicitly stated in the provided text. The creation of Police Commissions and changes to election procedures may lead to indirect costs associated with administration and elections, but no figures are provided.

Groups Affected

Police Forces in England and Wales: The bill significantly alters their governance structure through the establishment of Police Commissions.
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs): The bill modifies their election dates and clarifies their relationship with acting chief constables.
Police and Crime Panels: These panels gain a role in appointing the PCCs.
Acting Chief Constables: The bill clarifies their powers and responsibilities in relation to the PCCs.
Voters in England and Wales: The bill affects the timing of PCC elections.
The Secretary of State: They gain the power to set the dates for PCC elections (subject to limitations).

Full Text

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