Police Act 1997

Part IV Police Information Technology Organisation

109 Police Information Technology Organisation

(1) There shall be a body corporate to be known as the Police Information Technology Organisation (“the Organisation”).

(2) Schedule 8 (which makes provision about the Organisation) shall have effect.

(3) The Organisation may carry out activities (including the commissioning of research) relating to information technology equipment and systems for the use of—

(a) police authorities and police forces, and

(b) such other bodies as the Secretary of State may determine by order made by statutory instrument.

(4) The Organisation may also procure or assist in procuring other equipment, systems and services for any body falling within subsection (3)(a) or (b).

(5) Any statutory instrument made by virtue of subsection (3)(b) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(6) In this Part “information technology” includes any computer or other technology by means of which information or other matter may be recorded or communicated without being reduced to documentary form.

110 Relationship between the Organisation and the Secretary of State

(1) In exercising its functions the Organisation shall comply with any general or specific directions given in writing by the Secretary of State.

(2) Before giving directions under subsection (1), the Secretary of State shall consult the Organisation.

(3) The Organisation shall provide the Secretary of State with such information about its activities as he may request.

111 Interpretation of Part IV

(1) In this Part, except where the context otherwise requires, “police authority” means—

(a) a police authority for an area in Great Britain or a joint police board (within the meaning of the [1967 c. 77.] Police (Scotland) Act 1967),

(b) the Police Authority for Northern Ireland,

(c) the Service Authority for the National Criminal Intelligence Service, and

(d) the Service Authority for the National Crime Squad.

(2) In this Part, except where the context otherwise requires, “chief officer of police” means—

(a) a chief officer of police of a police force in England and Wales,

(b) a chief constable of a police force in Scotland,

(c) the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary,

(d) the Director General of the National Criminal Intelligence Service, and

(e) the Director General of the National Crime Squad.

(3) In this Part “police force” means—

(a) a police force in Great Britain,

(b) the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve,

(c) the National Criminal Intelligence Service, and

(d) the National Crime Squad.