‘A welcome recognition of our central role in holding the police accountable to their local communities—and a challenge for us to do even better in the future.’
That was the reaction of the Chair of Cleveland Police Authority, Councillor Dave McLuckie, to the Government’s White Paper on policing launched by the Home Secretary Alan Johnson today.
Councillor McLuckie said that, whilst it would be ‘tough’ to meet the call in the White Paper for major savings in administrative costs, IT systems and the purchasing of equipment and vehicles, he believed that in Cleveland the Authority and Force had already made significant progress in improving efficiency and value for money.
The White Paper sets out a range of proposals for strengthening the role of police authorities—including nominating members who will take a lead in each police command area—in the case of Cleveland there are four—and says their role will be to act as ‘an active and visible champion for the public...including when individuals do not receive the service to which they are entitled.’
Said Councillor McLuckie “Obviously the White Paper contains a wide range of proposals which we will have to study in detail but my initial reaction is pleasure that it has underlined the vital role police authorities perform in ensuring efficient and effective policing—and has accepted the view that introducing direct elections to authorities would run the very real risk, identified in the recent review by former Home Secretary David Blunkett, of politicising policing.
“The White Paper suggests that police authorities need to have a more visible and high profile—in Cleveland I think we have demonstrated to the public that we do fight for their interests and we do deliver. That is why we have achieved consistent reductions in crime and enjoy one the highest public confidence levels in the country.
“We do recognise that in the years ahead the financial position will be difficult and we must look at ways of improving the way we deliver services, including working with partners, both public and private.
“In Cleveland we have led the way in partnership working—for example with our local authorities in increasing the number of Police Community Support Officers and with private sector partners in providing some of the best buildings and facilities in the country, releasing more officers for front-line duties through civilianising our custody services and pioneering the provision of mobile technology for officers on the beat.
“The experience we have gained—and further options we are currently considering—will help us to meet the financial challenges ahead...and maintain our commitment to putting police officers and PCSOs where the public want them...on our streets and in our communities.”
2-12-09