HMIC annual report: Police and Crime Commissioners sharpen focus on community policing
2 Apr 2014 04:29 PM
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary
(HMIC) has published its annual assessment of policing in England and
Wales.
HMIC said that forces will find it challenging to make
further savings and efficiencies. The report urges the police service to focus
on improving information and communications technology to increase efficiency.
HMIC are critical of police force information technology which they claim is
inadequate.
On
police integrity, HMIC believe that public confidence in the police has been
hurt by a series of negative stories about the service. The police service has
been damaged but not broken by recent controversies.
HMIC says that Parliament and the electorate need more
time to make a full assessment of Police and Crime Commissioners. The report
acknowledges that Police and Crime Commissioners have shown leadership in the
quality and operation of the criminal justice system. HMIC also recognises that
relationships between Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables are
demonstrating substantial improvement over the police authority model, with
greater focus on the needs of the community and far less
bureaucracy.
Tony Lloyd, Chairman of The APCC Board and
Greater Manchester PCC, said:
“I welcome HMIC’s acknowledgement that
Police and Crime Commissioners are driving forward a better focus on community
policing issues and reducing the level of bureaucracy seen under police
authorities.
“Look across England and Wales and you will see
the difference Police and Crime Commissioners are making to local communities.
At the heart of our agenda is a greater emphasis on neighbourhood policing and
making forces more responsive to communities concerns on crime. The public want
visible policing and despite budget pressures forces are recruiting Constables,
Community Support Officers and Specials.
“There is a pressing need to improve police
technology. Through our leadership of the Police ICT Company we plan to drive
forward improvements. Police and Crime Commissioners are already investing in
technology to keep officers on the streets, not in offices completing
paperwork.
“The report challenges the leadership of the
police service with regards to police integrity and public confidence. Police
and Crime Commissioners are at the forefront of the police services commitment
to tackle integrity issues. Forces are introducing greater scrutiny measures to
monitor officer integrity and we are working closely with the College of
Policing and Chief Constables to raise professional standards to increase
public confidence.
“HMIC rightly pointed out our leadership role in
the quality and operation of the criminal justice system and that Police and
Crime Commissioners have made a good start. Police and Crime Commissioners want
a more joined up approach between criminal justice partners and voluntary and
charitable sectors so that we enhance and improve services for victims. By
working together locally we are determined to put victims at the heart of the
criminal justice system.”