Police reform white paper deemed ‘landmark moment for policing’
Gloucestershire’s police chief discusses the need for change following new proposals
The government published its police reform white paper yesterday, which Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth has described as a pivotal moment for policing in England and Wales.
The plans aim to address outdated systems and provide resources to tackle modern crime effectively. Gloucestershire Constabulary, which has faced financial challenges and outdated infrastructure, could see significant benefits from the proposed reforms.
T/CC Blyth said: “Today(26th January) was a landmark moment for policing in England and Wales.
“The plans laid out by the Government provide the investments in policing that the public and our workforce need. They are wide-ranging and ambitious and will get us ready to fight crime and protect the public in the years to come.
“The current model of policing is outdated, ineffective, and inefficient – resulting in what sometimes feels like a ‘postcode lottery’ for the public regarding the services they receive.
“This financial year, Gloucestershire Constabulary has had to make savings of more than £12m to balance its budget, which is proportionately the most any police force in the country has had to make. The forecast for the next few years looks equally challenging, and regrettably, further cuts seem inevitable.
“A National Police Service could take away a lot of the financial responsibilities on forces, such as the procurement of vehicles, uniform, IT, and forensic services.
“We are currently investing in our IT, but compared to other forces, our systems are extremely dated and incapable of running the latest software, such as facial recognition or some Artificial Intelligence. This is frustrating and exposes communities to unnecessary risks.
“Our officers, staff, and volunteers are working tirelessly to protect the public, but the nature of crime is becoming increasingly complex, evolving quickly, taking longer to investigate, and requiring more specialist skills. Criminals often cross borders and operate online, with 90 per cent of crime now having a digital element.
“Even with the upgrades we’re implementing, I am not confident Gloucestershire Constabulary will have the technology or specialist capabilities to meet future expectations.
“Creating a national force which takes responsibility for tackling the threats faced by every community – things like serious organised crime, fraud, terrorism, and violence against women and girls – will be hugely beneficial.
“Knowing these threats are being managed will allow neighbourhood police teams to relentlessly focus on the everyday needs of their communities – apprehending shoplifters and burglars, tackling anti-social behaviour, and keeping vulnerable people safe from harm.
“I will be working alongside other police leaders with the Government on the plans laid out in the white paper and look forward to seeing how a more streamlined policing service might be structured.
“Appreciating reform will take several years to implement, should there be an opportunity for Gloucestershire Constabulary to have an early role in a new-look police service, then I would also be keen for us to be involved.
“Reform is urgently needed to ensure all communities, including Gloucestershire, are provided with policing services capable of tackling contemporary crimes, which are focused on their needs and delivered cost-effectively.”
Any potential changes from the reforms will take time to implement, but Gloucestershire Constabulary hopes there will be opportunities to get involved early.