WIREDGOV

The Association of Police Authorities has issued the following statement in response to the National Police Air Service replacing localised police helicopter operations in England and Wales.

"The National Police Air Support programme has the potential to deliver better public protection at lower cost.

From catching criminals to ensuring the safety of crowds, helicopters and other means of air support are essential tools in the fight against crime, but they are costly and in some areas used infrequently.

This programme should ensure that forces retain the right capability to call on air support to protect the public whilst sharing it's considerable costs.

Police authorities have been key partners in getting this programme off the ground - it will be for elected Police and Crime Commissioners to ensure that it delivers the considerable benefits it has promised the public."

Notes to Editors

1. Press contact: Nathan Oley, Head of Press and Public Affairs, 07714 399 760 / Nathan.oley@apa.police.uk

2. The Association of Police Authorities (APA) represents all police authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as the British Transport Police Authority, the Civil Nuclear Police Authority, and the Ministry of Defence Police Committee.

3. Local police authorities, along with the Home Secretary and chief officers of police, make up the tripartite relationship which is responsible for the governance of policing in England and Wales.

4. Police authorities are currently made up of local people: a mix of local councillors and independent members (selected from the community) of which one must be a magistrate.

5. The tripartite partners are the Home Office, the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities.

6. The job of police authorities is to:

   • Consult with local communities to find out what they want the local police to do

   • Set the strategic direction for policing locally and decide what the police should focus their attention on locally, based on consultations with local communities

   • Set the budget for their police force, and decide how much local people should pay for policing in the local council tax

   • Make sure the police force is continuing to do a better job

   • Appoint (and, if necessary, dismiss) chief constables and senior police officers