About Hampshire Police Authority

Hampshire Police Authority is an independent body with its functions laid down in law. The key task of the Authority is to secure the maintenance of an efficient and effective police service.

Responsibility for policing Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is shared between the Police Authority, the Chief Constable and the Home Secretary.

The Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary has operational control for policing and is responsible for meeting the objectives and priorities set out in the Authority's Annual Policing Plan, as well as those set by the Home Secretary in the National Policing Plan.

The Authority has 17 members, each serving terms of four years. Nine members are councillors appointed to reflect the political balance of Portsmouth and Southampton unitary authorities and Hampshire and the Isle of Wight county councils taken as a whole; three are magistrates appointed by a magistrates selection panel; and five are independent members of the public who are appointed following a rigorous selection process.

Members work collectively to:

• monitor the policing service
• issue an Annual Report and Annual Policing Plan
• agree the overall Constabulary budget and policing priorities
• monitor complaints against the police; and
• seek the views of local people about the policing of their area.

The Authority is also responsible for appointing the Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable and Assistant Chief Constables and investigating complaints about the personal conduct of any of these Chief Officers.