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FEUDAL FORCES: DEMOCRATIC NATIONSIndependent structures to check political interferenceCountries like the UK and Canada have established independent buffer bodies, comprisinga majority of non-elected members to insulate the police from partisan political influences.Commonly known as Police Authorities or Boards, these agencies seek to protect the policefrom direct political control and interference by ensuring that they, and not only the electedpoliticians, provide policy directions and approve police budgets. These bodies areempowered to provide policy guidance only and the police retain operational independence.In England and Wales, all 43 police organisations are governed by what is commonlyknown as a tripartite structure, which distributes responsibilities between the Home Office,the local police authority, and the relevant chief constable. It provides accountability toParliament through the Home Secretary (who has responsibility for policing policy includingcentrally-imposed key priorities that are formalised within a National Policing Plan), and tolocal communities through the local police authorities, which comprise of elected localcouncillors, magistrates and members of the public. These authorities frame local policingpriorities and determine the arrangements for consultation between the police and public. Itis these authorities that are responsible for appointment and dismissal of the chief constable(subject to ratification by the Secretary of State). They also advise on budgeting and resourceallocation, and produce a three-year strategic plan consistent with the National PolicingPlan. In practice, Chief Constables are also expected to respond to policies and circulars setby the central government (the Home Office and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary),which can create interesting dynamics between local and national policy priorities.48 :: POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY IN SOUTH ASIA
CHAPTER 7More than a rubber stampParliamentary oversightOversight in democratic systems is rooted in theobligation of ministers to directly account toParliaments in an open and transparent manner.Legislators can exert pressure on the executiveto make police accountable and transparent andto ensure that they adhere to internationallyaccepted norms and standards. The presence ofa strong political executive is a problem in SouthAsian democracies. However, Members ofParliament themselves must take the initiative toassess the instruments and strategies at theirdisposal, to educate themselves in how best touse them, and to use the parliamentaryframework to allow good governance anddemocracy to flourish.POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY IN SOUTH ASIA :: 49
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