Control & Governance of the Police: Commonwealth Innovations in Policy and Practice

1. Control & Governance of the Police: Commonwealth Innovations in Policy and Practice Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative

2. Government’s Responsibility To provide a well-resourced, well-led, well-trained police service to the public that is efficient and accountable • Lay down clear policy and strategic direction for the police • prepare Policing Plans in consultation with the public • set objective standards and performance indicators • Establish effective accountability mechanisms • Facilitate police-public interaction and partnership

3. Democratic accountability • Predicated on a separation of powers • Necessitates a clear delineation of roles and responsibilities between the police and the executive in law • Hinges on professional operational autonomy for the police • Prioritizes community needs and concerns

4. Commonwealth experiences of illegitimate interference • Apartheid South Africa • 30-year Northern Ireland conflict • Partisan policing supporting coups in Fiji and the Solomon Islands in the year 2000 • Impedes police professionalism, can threaten political stability, at worst ordinary people suffer serious rights violations

5. Separating powers • England and Wales model: • “Tripartite Structure of Police Accountability” • Division of policy setting and governance responsibilities : Secretary of State, local Police Authority, and the Chief Constable of each police service (Police Reform Act 2002) • Enforces a multi-layered system of accountability and delegates specific responsibilities

6. Separating powers • Northern Ireland model: Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 Secretary of State : long-term objectives and principles Policing Board (an independent public body) : medium-term objectives and priorities Chief Constable : shorter-term tactical and operational plans

7. Buffers between the police and government Service Commissions • Common to Commonwealth Caribbean, Pacific and some African states; newer models in Nigeria and Sri Lanka • The older models constitute autonomous government bodies; the newer models have significant non-government representation and additional powers • Mandate: To minimize political control in selection, promotion, transfer, and removal of police officers

8. Buffers Police Boards / Authorities • Common to Canada, England and Wales and Northern Ireland • Independent public bodies made up of political and independent members • Mandate: to strengthen accountability by ensuring local-level, community participation in policy direction, accountability matters, and budgeting

9. Building Civilian Oversight • Creation of Police Boards / Authorities, or similar buffer bodies • Eliciting public input in setting strategic direction and priorities for police, through policing plans for instance • Bringing civilian input to appointment of police chief