11293 report 19 - CAIN - University of Ulster

HistoryThe RIPA (2000) provides for a complaints tribunal, via the authority contained in Sections 65 to70.There is a UK-wide investigatory powers tribunal.Recommendation 42: Strengthening of Financial AccountabilityPatten Recommendation:42. There should be a substantial strengthening of financial accountability, including a fully costedAnnual Policing Plan; a strong audit department within the Policing Board, staffed by experts inbudgeting, financial management and value for money programmes; and more systematic useof the Audit Office to study police resource management, either at the behest of the PolicingBoard or on its own initiative.Lead Responsibility: NIO/Policing Board/Chief ConstableRecommendation StatusCompliance with this recommendation has been achieved.HistoryThe Policing Board was established in November of 2001 and carried forward the existingplanning and budgetary process of the former Police Authority. Since that time the Police Serviceand Policing Board have continued to produce successive annual costed policing plans and goodvalue for money policing controls. The latest details can be found in the 2007-2010 AnnualPolicing Plan www.nipolicingboard.org.ukRecommendation 43: Designation of Chief Constable as Sub-Accounting OfficerPatten Recommendation:43. The Chief Constable should be designated a sub-accounting officer, in addition to the ChiefExecutive of the Policing Board, so that either or both may be called, together with thePermanent Under Secretary as principal accounting officer, to give evidence to the PublicAccounts Committee.Lead Responsibility: NIORecommendation StatusCompliance with this recommendation has been achieved.HistoryThe Chief Constable was appointed as Accounting Officer for the Police Service in November of2001. Appropriate policies are in place with capable management led by an experienced SeniorDirector of Finance, as well as adequate monitoring by the Policing Board. It is expected that,when the devolution of policing and justice occurs, the Chief Constable will systematically appearbefore the Assembly Public Accounts Committee.54