Governance structure
Ethical and Professional Standards Committee (EAPS)
The Ethical and Professional Standards Committee is responsible for the Authority's statutory duty, under Sections 15 and 17 of the Police Reform Act 2002, to keep themselves informed as to the manner in which complaints from members of the public against members of the Force are dealt with by the Chief Constable, including both non-ACPO ranks and police staff.
The Committee monitors: conduct and disciplinary matters for non-ACPO ranks and police staff; the Force's performance in the field of stop and search and stop and account, including comparative data and civil claims, their management and settlement, and any conduct matters arising.
The Committee reviews: any reports of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and the Commissioner for Local Government; the IPCC's "Learning the Lessons" Bulletins, including the Force's response to issues and risks identified and changes to procedures or policies; the provision and use of the Force's confidential reporting facility; compliments and commendations for all personnel.
The Committee considers and deals with all aspects of procedures relating to complaints against Force ACPO/Executive officers.
The Committee reviews and monitors the Force's and Authority's practical application of legislation, regulations and guidance pertaining to Freedom of Information, Data Protection, informative security and vetting and reviews the Authority's publication scheme.
The Committee maintains an oversight of the Force's approach to anti-corruption and considers various undertakings of the Indemnity Scheme. It also provides, in accordance with statutory requirements, the membership of the Standards Committee, together with the Independent Persons and its Sub-Committees.
The Committee has delegated authority in respect of the above with its minutes being submitted to the Authority.