November 19, 2024, 00:14

The Home Secretary has warned that Britain’s tradition of “policing by consent” could cease to exist without major reforms.

Labour’s Yvette Cooper said public confidence in the police had declined, as she announced moves to create closer links between the government and the police force.

It preceded the announcement of:

• A police performance unit to track the achievements of the police force
• A new National Policing Center to ensure forces make the most of new technology and forensics,
• A neighborhood policing guarantee to foster links between police and the communities in which they work

The Home Office said the changes – which come with £500m of extra funding – are “part of a strategic reset of the relationship between the government and the police”.

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This means the Home Office will take a “more active role in working with police leaders to make improvements and ensure policing is set up for success rather than frustrated by weak national structures”.

Announcing the changes at an annual conference organized by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, Ms Cooper will say: “Public trust is the foundation of our British policing model, but these In recent years it has been seriously eroded as neighborhood policing has been reduced and, as systems and structures are outdated, police are struggling to keep up with a rapidly changing crime landscape.

“That’s why we are determined to rebuild neighborhood policing, improve the performance of the police force and ensure the highest standards are met across the service.

“The challenge of restoring public trust is one shared by the government and the police. This is an opportunity to fundamentally reset this relationship and together we will embark on this reform roadmap to regain the trust and support of the people we all serve and reinvigorate the best in policing .

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Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke said forces had “failed to get the basics right” when responding to the public and investigating crimes.

Mr Cooke added: “Despite efforts to restore public trust, too many victims of crime continue to be disappointed.

“Today, I welcome the Minister of the Interior’s commitment to firmly place community policing at the heart of the reforms.

“It has never been more important for forces to adapt to the world we live in today, with their current structures put in place more than half a century ago. They are dealing with an inexperienced workforce and their officers are struggling with high workloads and low morale.

“The forces need greater leadership and decision-making, as well as adequate funding. These must be supported by a preventative and data-driven approach to enable them to master their performance The new police performance framework and unit will be key to improving and maintaining standards at all levels.

“Police forces cannot be left to fail, but they need the right support to enable them to become more efficient and effective.”

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Chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Gavin Stephens, said: “We are encouraged by the Home Secretary’s plans for police reform and look forward to working with the Government and our partner agencies to determine how best to shape the future of our service.

“At our joint summit with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners this week, I will provide more detail on our vision and ambitions, keeping communities at the heart of everything we do.”

The police reforms will be outlined in a white paper, expected to be published in the spring.

A full breakdown of the additional funding will be published as part of the police settlement in December.