(1)The Chief Constable shall, not later than 3 months after the end of each financial year, submit to the Police Authority a general report on the policing of Northern Ireland during that year.
(2)The Chief Constable shall arrange for a report submitted under subsection (1) to be published in such manner as appears to him to be appropriate.
(3)The Chief Constable shall, whenever so required by the Police Authority, submit to the Authority a report on such matters connected with the policing of Northern Ireland as may be specified in the requirement.
(4)A report under subsection (3) shall be made—
(a)in such form as may be specified in the requirement under that subsection; and
(b)within the period of one month from the date on which that requirement is made, or within such longer period as may be agreed between the Chief Constable and the Police Authority.
(5)If it appears to the Chief Constable that a report in compliance with subsection (3) would contain information which—
(a)in the public interest ought not to be disclosed; or
(b)is not needed for the discharge of the functions of the Police Authority,
he may request the Authority to refer the requirement to submit the report to the Secretary of State, and in any such case the requirement shall be of no effect unless it is confirmed by the Secretary of State.
(6)The Police Authority may arrange, or require the Chief Constable to arrange, for a report under subsection (3) to be published in such manner as appears to the Authority to be appropriate.