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08/10/2003
Tories plan to devolve policing to locally elected sheriffs
Communities could be given the chance to elect a sheriff with overall responsibility for the policing strategy of their community, under plans being unveiled by Conservatives.
In his keynote speech to the Party's annual conference in Blackpool, Shadow Home Secretary Oliver Letwin said that by giving "ultimate responsibility for policing" to a directly elected sheriff, mayor or police authority would bring policing closer to local community's priorities.
Mr Letwin said that slimming down the policing responsibilities of the Home Secretary would leave him with "no responsibility for local policing" - such as drawing up local crime plans - except in extreme circumstances. Instead, the non-national functions of the Home Secretary would be transferred to directly elected police authorities, mayors or sheriffs.
Chief constables would report to those politicians, but at the same time the operational independence of chief constables would be enshrined in statute for the first time, said Mr Letwin.
Mr Letwin also highlighted the Party's plans to recruit 40,000 additional officers over an eight-year period in an effort to police Britain's cities "as intensively as are those of the United States of America". The recruitment drive would be paid for by a "radical overhaul of the asylum system", which costs £1.8 billion a year. This could be replaced with a system quota for "genuine refugees" coupled with offshore processing of asylum applicants, said Mr Letwin.
Part of the Tory plan would be for new National Police Bureau to be set up – reporting directly to the Home Secretary, co-ordinating the anti-terrorist and organised crime-fighting efforts of the National Crime Squad, the National Criminal Intelligence Service, the Security Service, the Metropolitan Police and Customs and Excise.
(gmcg)
In his keynote speech to the Party's annual conference in Blackpool, Shadow Home Secretary Oliver Letwin said that by giving "ultimate responsibility for policing" to a directly elected sheriff, mayor or police authority would bring policing closer to local community's priorities.
Mr Letwin said that slimming down the policing responsibilities of the Home Secretary would leave him with "no responsibility for local policing" - such as drawing up local crime plans - except in extreme circumstances. Instead, the non-national functions of the Home Secretary would be transferred to directly elected police authorities, mayors or sheriffs.
Chief constables would report to those politicians, but at the same time the operational independence of chief constables would be enshrined in statute for the first time, said Mr Letwin.
Mr Letwin also highlighted the Party's plans to recruit 40,000 additional officers over an eight-year period in an effort to police Britain's cities "as intensively as are those of the United States of America". The recruitment drive would be paid for by a "radical overhaul of the asylum system", which costs £1.8 billion a year. This could be replaced with a system quota for "genuine refugees" coupled with offshore processing of asylum applicants, said Mr Letwin.
Part of the Tory plan would be for new National Police Bureau to be set up – reporting directly to the Home Secretary, co-ordinating the anti-terrorist and organised crime-fighting efforts of the National Crime Squad, the National Criminal Intelligence Service, the Security Service, the Metropolitan Police and Customs and Excise.
(gmcg)
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14 May 2003
UK sends policing advisors to assist in Iraq
Policing experts are traveling to Iraq today to advise on the stabilisation of the security situation and to participate in a review on how to rebuild the Iraqi police service. The team of four will be led by Chief Constable of Hampshire - and Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) international portfolio holder - Paul Kernaghan.
UK sends policing advisors to assist in Iraq
Policing experts are traveling to Iraq today to advise on the stabilisation of the security situation and to participate in a review on how to rebuild the Iraqi police service. The team of four will be led by Chief Constable of Hampshire - and Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) international portfolio holder - Paul Kernaghan.
10 September 2003
Tories to decentralise control of police
A Conservative government would wrest control of policing from central government, place it in the hands of local politicians, and increase police numbers.
Tories to decentralise control of police
A Conservative government would wrest control of policing from central government, place it in the hands of local politicians, and increase police numbers.
26 January 2012
Nine Arrested In Oldham Drug Raids
Some nine people have been arrested in raids as part of an operation to target drug dealing in Oldham. They were arrested when officers from Greater Manchester Police raided addresses just after 6am on Thursday morning.
Nine Arrested In Oldham Drug Raids
Some nine people have been arrested in raids as part of an operation to target drug dealing in Oldham. They were arrested when officers from Greater Manchester Police raided addresses just after 6am on Thursday morning.
04 November 2008
Essex Police Congratulated For Delivering First Policing Pledge
Sixty areas across the country have signed up to become new neighbourhood crime and justice pioneer areas, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced today. The Home Secretary also congratulated Essex on being the first police force to deliver the new national Policing Pledge. Delivering a key recommendation of the Casey Review, and supported by £5.
Essex Police Congratulated For Delivering First Policing Pledge
Sixty areas across the country have signed up to become new neighbourhood crime and justice pioneer areas, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced today. The Home Secretary also congratulated Essex on being the first police force to deliver the new national Policing Pledge. Delivering a key recommendation of the Casey Review, and supported by £5.
20 November 2009
Police Slam Tory Commissioner Plans
One of the UK's top policemen has warned Tory plans to introduce locally elected commissioners could prompt mass resignations from constabulary chiefs nationwide. Association of Chief Police Officers President, Sir Hugh Orde said police independence was "absolutely critical".
Police Slam Tory Commissioner Plans
One of the UK's top policemen has warned Tory plans to introduce locally elected commissioners could prompt mass resignations from constabulary chiefs nationwide. Association of Chief Police Officers President, Sir Hugh Orde said police independence was "absolutely critical".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
