Gwent Police Authority has 17 members made up of 9 councillors and 8 independent members.

Delivering policing services is the job of the Chief Constable. The police authority sets the strategic direction for the force and holds the chief constable to account on behalf of the local community for the policing service delivered.

In summary, the police authority:

• Holds the police budget and allocates resources
• Appoints (and dismisses) the Chief Constable and senior police officers
• Consults widely with local people about the policing of their area
• Sets local policing priorities and targets for achievement
• Monitors everything the police do and how well they perform against the targets set by the authority
• Publishes an annual plan which tells local people what they can expect from their police service and reports back at the end of the year
• Makes sure local people get best value from their local police
• Oversees complaints against the police and disciplines senior officers