Policing for the People
Having just read Nick Herbert MP’s consultative document on police reform, entitled ‘Policing for the People,’ as an ex-officer and member of the public I expected it to meet certain criteria. The first was did it recognise the ongoing problems I faced as a serving officer and those my former colleagues continue to face? The report did indeed address a lack of resources, the burdensome repetition and duplication of paperwork and the two-tier system of policing created as a consequence of performance criteria.
My next question, as a member of the public, was did the report recognise my concerns regarding a lack of regular high visibility police patrols? Did it recognise the value and impact of community based policing? Did it address my concerns regarding the effectiveness of police to protect and prevent me from becoming a victim of crime? Did it address my frustrations regarding public value for money?
In answer to all my questions the report satisfied me that these issues had been considered in addition to realistic, practical and, most importantly, achievable solutions. I was also satisfied that the decentralisation of power and more accountability at local level, the employment of more sworn officers, the employment of civilian or private sector staff to complete administrative tasks and a fairer system of monitoring officers’ productivity would lead to a considerable change so desparately needed at grass roots level. Effective policing, particularly effective preventative policing, also has positive consequences for an over-burdened criminal justice and penal system.
My endorsement of this report is not due to my own political convictions but simply because it makes sense and reflects what is most important to both the public and rank and file officers. What is most important is high visibility policing to reassure and prevent crime before it happens and a rapid officer response when it has. Reasonable public expectations of officers must be met with an unhindered and unrestricted capacity to respond. Indeed, this report reawakens my hope that the police will be effective once again where it truly matters and thereby redressing the balance on our streets. The day these proposals become common practice is perhaps the day I shall miss the force the most.
Please decide for yourself by viewing the report at www.policereform.com and sharing your thoughts. Thank you for your continued support. I shall be back with you again soon. All the best.
Johnno
