The Police (Civilian Oversight) Authority was established August 21, 2006 as a mechanism, external to the Police Force, to ensure accountability, adherence to policy guidelines and observance of proper policing standards by the Force, thereby engendering increased public confidence.

The Authority may, where it considers necessary, refer a matter to the Police Service Commission, the Minister, the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption and the Commissioner of Police.

The primary functions are to:

1. monitor the implementation of the policy relating to the force and auxiliaries as well as the Island Special Constabulary Force;
2. monitor the standard of performance of the force and Auxiliaries to ensure that internationally accepted standards of policing are maintained, and to report thereon;
3. conduct inspections of the Force and Auxiliaries;
4. monitor the management and use of the financial and other resources of the Force and the Auxiliaries
5. perform such other functions as may be necessary for promoting the efficiency of the Force and Auxiliaries.