College of Policing response to HMIC report into police effectiveness
The College of Policing have responded to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary PEEL report into police effectiveness.
Response to a shortage of qualified detectives and other investigators
David Tucker, Crime lead for the College, said: ‘We are aware of the difficulties in recruiting officers and staff into investigative roles. We have been working with policing colleagues on a range of initiatives to increase investigative capacity. The issue is, however, more complex because the rapid increase in vulnerability related investigations has led to many more complex investigations that require more time and skills to resolve. Investigating these awful offences can also have significant impact on the welfare of officers and staff investigating them. We will work with the national policing lead to support our members in delivering the HMIC’s recommendations.”
Response to local policing
Richard Bennett, Uniformed Policing lead, said: “The College recognises the importance of neighbourhood policing and the vital role it plays reducing crime which is positive for communities as well as reducing demand on forces.
“The evidence shows the impact on crime and anti-social behaviour needs a structured approach to problem-solving which engages the public.
“It is for Chief Constables and PCCs to determine the structures and resources needed to deliver neighbourhood policing in line with local capacity and the policing priorities of their forces.”
The College, as the professional body for policing, will work with the national policing lead to consider the known evidence for effective neighbourhood policing and the development of appropriate guidelines to cover:
- Engaging the public to inform action.
- The data and analysis required to target activity.
- How to identify effective responses to crime and anti-social behaviour.
- How to assess the impact of the action taken.
