The Police Authority's most important functions are to secure the maintenance of an efficient and effective police service for the public of South Yorkshire and to hold the Chief Constable to account.

A summary of some of their key roles is set out below:

• Community Engagement  By getting the public's view on what they want the Police to provide and then using these views to inform decision-making. The Authority also contributes to the development of local strategies through the Crime and Disorder Partnerships.
   
• Planning and Performance Management Setting clear priorities and targets, informed by community concerns and then monitoring South Yorkshire Police's performance against these. Included in this role is the monitoring of complaints against the Police.
   
• Resource Use and Allocation Setting and monitoring the budget in accordance with national and local priorities. Securing an efficient Police force, which effectively uses best value practices throughout its services.
   
• Integrity and Ethical Standards Reviews its own and the Police's policies, practices and procedures to ensure that they comply with Human Rights and anti-discrimination legislation. The Authority also scrutinises the Police's disciplinary arrangements.
   
• Appointment of Chief Officers Responsibility for appointing the Senior Command Team - including the Chief Constable.
   
• Custody Visitors Appointment of visitors from the community who monitor procedures relating to people held in Police stations.
   
• Joint Working In 2005 the Home Secretary announced plans to merge police forces. These plans were then withdrawn in 2006, but as a result the Police Authority and service began to develop closer working with the other authorities and forces in Yorkshire (West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Humberside). A joint committee of the four authorities has been set up to oversee and lead this work, and its agendas and minutes are available on the West Yorkshire Police Authority website.

The Authority is supported and administered by the South Yorkshire Joint Secretariat, headed by Bill Wilkinson, who is the Chief Executive and Treasurer to the Authority.

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