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Membership and Structure of London Police Authorities
London is a unique city with a unique political landscape, therefore has two unique police authorities.
The City of London Police Authority
Due to the nature and politics of the City of London, the Police Committee of the Corporation of London serves as the City of London Police Authority
As with most other police authorities, the City of London Police Authority consists of seventeen members, although the membership composition is very different. On the committee there are:
- three lay justices
- five persons who live in the City
- nine who work in the City.
These members are appointed by the Common Council of the Corporation of London for five-year terms.
The Police Committee of the Corporation of London only meet six times a year, but appoint a Reference Sub Committee to deal with any matters requiring attention between meetings. They also appoint a Police Complaints Sub Committee for considering complaints made against police officers.
The Metropolitan Police Authority
Due to the size and strategic importance of the Metropolitan Police Service, and Greater London’s unique political structure, the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) is governed by a separate set of regulations; the Metropolitan Police Authority Regulations 2008. (new window)
The Metropolitan Police Authority has 23 members.
- twelve of these are London Assembly members appointed by the Mayor of London
- eleven are independent members, of which one is appointed by the Home Secretary and ten are appointed by the MPA from a shortlist compiled by the Metropolitan Police Authority Selection Panel.
Until 1 October 2008, the MPA will appoint a Chairman from among its members, and may also appoint Vice-Chairmen.
From 1 October 2008, the Mayor of London may appoint him or herself to the MPA in place of a London Assembly member. In this case, they will be the Chairman of the MPA, otherwise he or she will appoint the Chairman from among the members of the MPA. He or she also has the power to appoint Vice-Chairmen should they wish.
When appointing members to the MPA the Mayor must make sure, wherever possible, the political composition of the MPA reflects the London Assembly.
The terms of office for a councillor member are decided by the Mayor, but cannot exceed four years. There is no limit to the maximum number of terms a London Assembly member can serve.
MPA Independent members are people who live or work in the police authority area. They are appointed by the authority from a shortlist compiled by a selection panel (for more details, see the MPA selection panels). As with the other police authorities, Independent members must be over 18 and have lived or worked in the area for at least 12 months. To ensure their independence, they may not be a police officer, an officer or employee of the police force or police authority, a borough councillor or a London Assembly member.
The MPA decide the term of office of an independent member, but this may not exceed four years and a member cannot serve more than two such terms without the consent of the Home Secretary.
The Metropolitan Police Authority Selection Panel
Like other selection panels, the Metropolitan Police Authority Selection Panel consists of five members, with one Home Secretary’s appointee and one Independent Assessor.
Unlike other panels however, the Metropolitan Police Authority only appoints two members of this panel, with the remaining member being appointed by the Mayor of London.
The functions of the Metropolitan Police Authority Selection Panel are the same as that of other selection panels.
