Police authorities appoint chief constables, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State and Police Regulations. Appointing a chief constable is a key means by which the authority can discharge its function of securing an efficient and effective police force for an area. Consideration of the public's views should inform the police authority view of the professional and strategic requirements which underpin the recruitment of a chief constable.
The Policing and Crime Bill currently before Parliament strengthens the requirement on police authorities to consider the public's views in discharging any of their functions.