''We need a total redesign of policing''

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Police forces in England and Wales could save up to £1bn (12 per cent of central government funding) without reducing police availability, according to the Audit Commission, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) and the Wales Audit Office.

The HMIC report also found that just 11 per cent of police are visibly available to the public, despite year-on-year increases to budgets for the last 40 years, and with the planned budget cuts, the availability of the police to the public would be reduced even further unless there was a total redesign of the police. HMIC warned that while 12 per cent wouldn't be easy to find, savings beyond that would lead to a reduction in police availability which would mean fewer police on the street and fewer police to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls.

Although crime had reduced by 45 per cent since 1995, modern policing was more than tackling crime, the report said. Nowadays it involves dealing with organised crime, anti-terrorism, anti-social behaviour, victim support and child protection. HMIC said that increased bureaucracy and specialisations had drawn officers away from the front line at a time when the public wanted more police visibility. Over the last four years, the number of warranted officers working in the community has fallen by 1,429 despite the number of police officers rising. HMIC warned that a total redesign of policing was required.

The watchdogs reckon that savings can be made by breaking down silos with forces working together and having a more efficient match between the risk of crime and the number of police on duty to deal with peaks and troughs in demand.

They also noted that spending on police in 2008/09 was £13.7bn, 47 per cent more than 1997/98, and 80 per cent of this was on staff. Some forces have shown how £270m could be saved across the service with greater use of civilian staff. Also, better procurement (such as buying forensics services, fleet vehicles) could save around £100m, and up to £140m could be cut from back office costs.

Sir Denis O'Connor, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, said: "The challenge for the police service is to reduce spending without reducing public confidence. Our reports show that while some forces are getting ready for the budget cuts we know are inevitable, many forces have yet to make adequate preparations. We are challenging the police, managers and politicians who make strategic decisions about the future of policing in England and Wales, to use our reports to examine their choices thoroughly so that the public's safety and well-being are not put at risk."

Michael O'Higgins, chairman of the Audit Commission, added: "Police forces will need strong leadership from politicians, police authorities and chief constables if they are to save money without reducing service to the public. Better value for money in policing will be a challenge, but it is possible."