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Ref:056
July 26, 2010
ACPO comment on Policing in the 21st Century: Reconnecting Police and the People
ACPO president Sir Hugh Orde said:
“The British Policing Model is built upon the twin foundations of operational independence and local accountability. These are challenging times not just for policing but for all public services to improve and do more with less. The police service has a ‘can do’ ethos and we are ready for that challenge. But reform must add real value to the critical service we deliver which keeps our communities safe.
“The consultation document rightly recognises the increasing complexity of modern policing, from the local to the national, from visible patrolling to serious crime and terrorism. There are a number of new elements proposed which will now require careful consideration, in particular the role of the National Crime Agency, and how greater collaboration across the service can be achieved to drive the necessary savings. Today also presents an opportunity to firmly establish ACPO as a professional leadership body, with a governance and accountability structure as we have consistently requested.
“The Government’s strong statement of commitment to operational independence is of critical importance. Chief officers absolutely understand the need to be accountable to local communities – policing’s relationship with the public we serve is the source of its legitimacy and consequently its effectiveness. We now need to examine in detail the government’s proposals for maintaining operational independence against the practical reality of directly-elected Police and Crime Commissioners.”
Ends
ENDS
Notes for Editors
• The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).
• The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally led strategic body. In the public interest and, in equal and active partnership with Government and the Association of Police Authorities, ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In times of national need ACPO, on behalf of all chief officers, coordinates the strategic policing response.
• ACPO’s 341 members are police officers of Assistant Chief Constable rank (Commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, and senior police staff managers, in the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and other forces such as British Transport Police and States of Jersey Police.
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