Public involvement and accountability is critical for South Wales Police Authority.
Police Authority meetings are open to the public to listen to discussions. But did you know that you can also ask questions?
How can I have my say?
South Wales Police Authority has devised a scheme which allows members of the public to address meetings of the full Authority and:
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Make statements
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Ask questions
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Present petitions
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Lead deputations
This does not apply to meetings of the Authority’s groups.
To have your say, you must contact the Chief Executive of the Police Authority at least three working days in advance of the meeting on the contact details below. Full details of what you want to ask or present must be given at this time. To find out the dates of our meetings,
click here.
Advance notice should also be given if you wish to address the Authority in Welsh, to allow for translation arrangements to be made.
Scope of questions and statements
Questions should only be asked on strategic and policy issues within the Police Authority’s area of responsibility. Questions relating to operational policing or are subject to judicial or complaints procedures will not be accepted.
Statements should only be made on items which are part of the agenda for that meeting of the Authority. A summary of the likely items to be discussed shall be placed on the Police Authority website no later than 7 days prior to the meeting, and will be available from the Police Authority office.
A question or statement may be rejected if it:
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is not about a matter for which the Police Authority has a responsibility;
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is defamatory, frivolous or offensive;
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requires the disclosure of confidential or exempt information;
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relates to the activities and aims of a political party or organisation
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relates to the personal circumstances or conduct of any Member or Officer or conditions of service of employees
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relates to an ongoing criminal investigation;
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relates to an ongoing complaint.
The Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chair or Vice-Chair of the Authority, has the discretion to refuse any question or statement. A full written reason for the refusal will be provided.
What happens at the meeting?
The amount of time allocated at each Authority meeting for the public to have their say is no more than 30 minutes.
Each speaker will have no more than five minutes to address the meeting. Any specific instructions from the Chair must be followed.
On arrival at the meeting you must make yourself known to the Chief Executive, or a member of staff. They will then explain the procedure for addressing the Authority.
Once you have raised the matter/question, the Police Authority will decide what action, if any, to take.
If the Authority decides the issue needs to be discussed at a later meeting, you may nominate a Member to speak on the matter at that time.
Should the matter refer to operational policing, it is likely that the Authority will refer it to the Chief Constable.
Click here for details on how to contact the Authority.