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04/11/2003
Police must have closer community links, Home Office say
Plans to make police forces more accountable and responsive to the local communities they serve have been unveiled by the Home Secretary today.
David Blunkett called for a "stronger connection" between the police and communities, and a move away from policing by consent to policing carried out with the active co-operation of the public.
"I want members of the public to know who their local police commander is and to be able to get answers to basic questions when things are not up to scratch," said Mr Blunkett.
He also said he wants police commanders to have much more power to take decisions on the ground with the backing of local residents. Local people should feel they can make their voice heard - able to ask "sensible questions" of their police about local priorities, such as response times.
The government's consultation on the plans – 'Policing: Building safer communities together' – also looks at the role and make-up of police authorities.
Home Office research published today has found that many people don't understand the role of the authorities – which is to hold chief constables to account for how their force is performing.
The research showed that people wanted better communication, information and involvement in local policing. Four-out-of-five respondents said that police should have better ways of finding out local people's views.
One of the specific proposals put forward today would introduce 'community advocates' to help make sure that concerns are listened to and dealt with.
Strengthening the accountability of the police also involves ensuring that the diversity of communities is fully respected in the culture of the service. The Home Office is already encouraging the use of local members of the community to act as assessors in the process of selecting their own police officers.
"We have one of the best police services in the world, and we need to continue to strive for an ever better service with the local community at its heart - that is what this consultation is about," said Mr Blunkett.
(gmcg)
David Blunkett called for a "stronger connection" between the police and communities, and a move away from policing by consent to policing carried out with the active co-operation of the public.
"I want members of the public to know who their local police commander is and to be able to get answers to basic questions when things are not up to scratch," said Mr Blunkett.
He also said he wants police commanders to have much more power to take decisions on the ground with the backing of local residents. Local people should feel they can make their voice heard - able to ask "sensible questions" of their police about local priorities, such as response times.
The government's consultation on the plans – 'Policing: Building safer communities together' – also looks at the role and make-up of police authorities.
Home Office research published today has found that many people don't understand the role of the authorities – which is to hold chief constables to account for how their force is performing.
The research showed that people wanted better communication, information and involvement in local policing. Four-out-of-five respondents said that police should have better ways of finding out local people's views.
One of the specific proposals put forward today would introduce 'community advocates' to help make sure that concerns are listened to and dealt with.
Strengthening the accountability of the police also involves ensuring that the diversity of communities is fully respected in the culture of the service. The Home Office is already encouraging the use of local members of the community to act as assessors in the process of selecting their own police officers.
"We have one of the best police services in the world, and we need to continue to strive for an ever better service with the local community at its heart - that is what this consultation is about," said Mr Blunkett.
(gmcg)
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10 February 2005
Conservatives propose local police commissioners
Conservative leader, Michael Howard, has announced plans to introduce local police commissioners, as part of the party's law and order policy. Mr Howard unveiled plans to replace "remote and unaccountable" police authorities across England and Wales, with directly elected local police commissioners.
Conservatives propose local police commissioners
Conservative leader, Michael Howard, has announced plans to introduce local police commissioners, as part of the party's law and order policy. Mr Howard unveiled plans to replace "remote and unaccountable" police authorities across England and Wales, with directly elected local police commissioners.
14 April 2011
British Man Dies In Dubai Police Custody
A British man has died in police custody in Dubai. Lee Bradley Brown, 39, from east London, died on Tuesday after he was taken to a Dubai police station where he was allegedly assaulted and put into a cell. It has been reported that Mr Brown, was arrested over a row at the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab hotel.
British Man Dies In Dubai Police Custody
A British man has died in police custody in Dubai. Lee Bradley Brown, 39, from east London, died on Tuesday after he was taken to a Dubai police station where he was allegedly assaulted and put into a cell. It has been reported that Mr Brown, was arrested over a row at the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab hotel.
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.
01 April 2004
New police complaints body launched today
A new independent police complaints organisation has been launched today which is designed to "increase police and public confidence" in the accountability and integrity of the police service, the Home Office has said.
New police complaints body launched today
A new independent police complaints organisation has been launched today which is designed to "increase police and public confidence" in the accountability and integrity of the police service, the Home Office has said.
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.
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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.
