How we did it
The Audit Commission and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) consulted with Police Authorities and took account of their views in the design of the inspection framework. We provided inspectors with guidance on performance characteristics that indicate differing levels of expected performance to help form judgements against each assessment theme.
Inspection results
The inspections focused on how well police authorities ensure that the public has an efficient and effective local police force along four key themes:
- setting the strategic direction and priorities of the police force
- scrutinising the performance of the police force
- ensuring results through community engagement and partnerships
- ensuring value for money and productivity
The 22 police authorities we inspected received a report which was published and made available to the public. Reports identify the police authority's strengths and areas of innovation to be shared with other police authorities. Reports also identified areas for improvement for police authorities to act upon in order to improve their performance for the public.
Inspection reports for Welsh police authorities were published on the Wales Audit Office website (external link).
What we learnt
National Thematic report
The 'Learning lessons' report was published in March 2010. It summarises the findings of the first ten of the 22 inspections of police authorities in England and Wales undertaken.
The report highlights good practice in authorities of holding Chief Constables to account for every day performance of the force. It describes the inspectorates' findings that most authorities were not setting effective long term strategic plans for themselves and for forces, particularly in relation to ensuring that forces provide value for money for the public.
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