Police Governance in England and Wales

This handbook provides an overview of the laws and cases that govern the governance, control, and authority of provincial police forces in England and Wales. It was first published in 1998 and updated in 2016 to reflect recent changes in the law. The book is written in a plain non-legalistic style and is accessible to non-lawyers, but also includes statutory and case references for those needing further information.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1998, this comprehensive handbook provides a detailed account of the statutes and cases that shaped the governance, control, and authority of the provincial police forces in England and Wales at the time. For years, the complexity and breadth of these legal frameworks had led to misunderstandings and uncertainty when examining various aspects of police operations. To address this issue, a significant milestone was achieved through the enactment of the Police Act 1996. This consolidating Act brought together most of the existing statutory provisions related to the governance of police forces. However, it is important to note that since around 1980, several other factors have emerged that have significantly impacted the powers and control of the police. These include:

Increased civil litigation: This has resulted in a number of cases that have defined the civil liability of the police. These cases have helped to clarify the legal responsibilities and obligations of law enforcement agencies in different situations.

Increased use of judicial review procedures: The use of judicial review procedures has become more prevalent, leading to case decisions that have defined police powers in specific circumstances. These decisions have provided guidance to police officers and authorities on their legal authority and responsibilities.

Greater centralisation in police policies: There has been a trend towards greater centralisation in police policies, with the Home Secretary exercising control over finance and other matters. This has implications for the autonomy and decision-making power of provincial police forces.

Increased police use of sophisticated technology: The police have increasingly utilised sophisticated technology for record-keeping and surveillance purposes. This has raised concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the potential misuse of such tools.

The involvement of the security service in an anti-criminal role: The security service has been involved in an anti-criminal role, working alongside the police to combat crime and protect national security. This has led to increased collaboration and coordination between the two agencies.

The book, which includes illustrative charts, comprehensively addresses numerous complex legal issues. Written in a plain, non-legalistic style, it is designed to be accessible to non-lawyers. However, for the benefit of practitioners, all statutory and case references are provided, allowing those seeking further information to consult the original materials.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032436777