Written question asked by Lord Ouseley (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Monday, 27 April 2009.

Police: Appointments

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government who is responsible for appointment and dismissal of Chief Police Officers in the Metropolitan Police Service.

Answer: The commissioner is appointed by the Queen following a recommendation from the Home Secretary. This is made following an open competition and having regard to the recommendations made to her by the Metropolitan Police Authority and representations from the Mayor of London. The deputy commissioner is appointed in the same way, except that the commissioner has a statutory entitlement to make representations rather than the mayor. Officers at the rank of assistant commissioner, deputy assistant commissioner and commander are appointed by the Metropolitan Police Authority with an approval role for the Home Secretary. Under Sections 9E to 9G of the Police Act 1996 as amended, the Metropolitan Police Authority can require a chief officer to retire or resign in the interests of efficiency or effectiveness, provided the police authority has the approval of the Home Secretary. Under Section 42 of the Act the Home Secretary can require the MPA to exercise this power in respect of the commissioner and the deputy commissioner. The Police (Conduct) Regulations 2008 apply to all officers. In cases of gross misconduct, the ultimate sanction is dismissal form the services.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 710 c19WA; 2927
Session: 2008-09
Subjects: Accountability Dismissal Public appointments Metropolitan Police Termination of employment Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk