[POP0098]
Written evidence submitted by the National Association of Independent Advisory Groups (POP0098)
Subsequent to discussions with representatives of the Home Office Committee looking into the future of police services and associated developments the NAIAG Executive have considered the topics and hope that the following, prepared with the use of AI, will be helpful.
1. Modern police services can learn a lot from service industries when it comes to improving customer service, utilizing technology, and optimizing workflow. By adopting best practices from other industries, police services can become more efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of their communities..
2. Improving public trust in policing requires transparency, accountability, and the use of technology to improve operations. Police can leverage technology to identify crime trends and allocate resources more efficiently, be transparent and accountable about their policies and actions, and consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of using AI in policing. By adopting these strategies, police can build trust with the community and enhance public safety.
3. Prevention is an important aspect of policing that can have a significant impact on reducing crime rates. By focusing on prevention, police forces can deter future crimes, provide justice to victims, and build trust with the community. However, it is important to ensure that police forces are not asked to perform functions outside of their core responsibilities without proper training and resources, such as dealing with Mental Health issues outside of normal NHS availability.
4. Police visibility in communities is critical for building trust with the public and deterring crime. By engaging with the public through formal and informal channels, police can improve communication, build trust, and tailor their strategies to address community concerns.
5. Businesses have a significant role to play in preventing crime and ensuring the safety of their assets and employees. By implementing security measures, training employees, collaborating with law enforcement, and providing a safe environment, businesses can help to deter criminals and reduce their dependence on the police.
6. Implementing anti-theft mechanisms can have significant benefits for businesses, including deterring theft, protecting assets, improving employee morale, and reducing insurance premiums. Businesses should conduct a risk assessment, install visible security measures, train employees, and regularly review and update security measures.
7. Increasing the number of officers in neighbourhood policing can have significant benefits in terms of community engagement and trust. By developing a community policing strategy, building partnerships with community organizations, utilizing technology, and measuring success, law enforcement agencies can effectively implement neighbourhood policing but it is essential to communicate with their communities.
8. Effective community listening is an important part of community policing. By engaging with diverse communities, creating safe spaces, listening actively, following up, using data, and training officers, police forces can implement best practices in community listening and build stronger relationships with the communities they serve.
9. Treating IAGs as partners can have several benefits for community engagement and trust. By building relationships, increasing community involvement, improving accountability, enhancing problem-solving, reducing conflict, and increasing diversity, police forces should work collaboratively with community members and IAGs are an established, effective and inexpensive resource.
10. Involving the public in decision-making processes is crucial for promoting transparency, trust, and accountability in policing. By doing so, police officers can build relationships with community members which in turn will have benefits across the piece.
11. Increasing the precept by RPI can have both positive and negative impacts on police funding and public perception. While it can lead to increased police funding and improved public safety, it can also lead to financial strain on households, negative public perception, and political backlash. Therefore, it is important for PCCs and local authorities to carefully consider the potential impacts before making any decisions on increasing the precept.
12. Improving the handling of complaints and disciplinary issues, police forces can demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability, and help to build trust and confidence with the public. This can lead to a more positive relationship between the police and the communities they serve.
13. Police forces and other bodies such as the CPS should work together to improve conviction rates and.
14. Improving file preparation is critical in securing convictions. Police forces must improve file preparation by conducting thorough investigations, using technology, paying attention to detail, conducting regular reviews, providing training, and collaborating with prosecutors.
15. Creating an umbrella organization for the CJS has the potential to improve coordination and efficiency between different agencies. However, this approach also presents significant challenges related to resistance to change, political and legal issues, and funding constraints. To be successful, any such initiative would need to be carefully planned and implemented, with the buy-in and support of all stakeholders involved.
Modern police services can learn a lot from service industries in terms of improving customer service, utilizing technology, and optimizing workflow. Here are some ways in which modern police services can improve in these areas:
1. Improving customer service: Police services can improve customer service by focusing on community policing and building strong relationships with the community. This can be achieved through regular engagement with community members, such as holding community events, listening sessions, and town hall meetings. By being responsive to the needs of the community, police services can build trust and increase satisfaction among community members.
2. Utilizing technology: Police services can benefit from using technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness. For example, modern policing can leverage data analytics to identify high-crime areas and allocate resources accordingly. Body-worn cameras and dashcams can improve accountability and transparency, while social media and mobile apps can help to connect with the community and provide real-time updates on incidents.
3. Optimizing workflow: Like service industries, police services can optimize workflow to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This can be achieved by using technology to automate routine tasks, such as record-keeping and administrative work, and by adopting standardized procedures and protocols for handling incidents. By streamlining processes and using data to inform decision-making, police services can increase efficiency and reduce response times.
Improving public trust is essential for the police, and one way to achieve this is through transparency and accountability. By explaining their decisions and actions, the police can demonstrate their commitment to serving the community and building trust. Here are some ways in which police can leverage technology and transparency to improve their operations and increase public trust:
1. Using technology to improve operations: Police can use technology to identify crime trends and allocate resources more efficiently. For instance, data analytics can help police to identify high-crime areas and deploy resources accordingly. Additionally, technology like body-worn cameras can improve accountability and transparency by providing an accurate record of interactions with the public.
2. Being transparent and accountable: Police can improve public trust by being transparent about their policies, procedures, and actions. They can do this by making information readily available to the public, such as publishing annual reports, providing data on arrests, and conducting community meetings to discuss issues. By being transparent and accountable, the police can build trust with the community.
3. Using AI in policing: AI has the potential to improve response times and reduce bias in policing. For instance, predictive policing algorithms can help to identify areas of high crime and direct resources accordingly. Additionally, facial recognition technology can help to identify suspects more accurately. However, there are ethical concerns and challenges associated with using AI in policing, such as the potential for bias and the lack of accountability in decisions made by AI algorithms.
Prevention is an essential aspect of policing, as it focuses on reducing crime rates by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. Here are some ways in which prevention can impact crime rates:
1. Deterrence: Solving more crimes can have a deterrent effect on future crimes, as the fear of being caught and punished can discourage potential offenders from committing crimes. This is why it is essential for police to solve as many crimes as possible, as this can have a ripple effect on future crime rates.
2. Justice for victims: Solving crimes is also crucial for providing justice to victims, as it can help them to feel that their voices have been heard and that the perpetrators have been held accountable. This is essential for restoring the trust and confidence of the community in the police force.
3. Challenges of performing functions outside of core responsibilities: Police forces are sometimes asked to perform functions outside of their core responsibilities, such as dealing with mental health issues, domestic violence, and homelessness. While these functions are important, they can impact public safety and trust if police forces are not properly trained or equipped to handle them. Additionally, taking on these functions can divert resources and attention away from core policing functions, which can result in higher crime rates.
Police visibility in communities is essential for building trust with the public and deterring crime. Here are some ways in which police visibility can impact public trust and crime rates:
1. Building trust: Police visibility can help to build trust with the community by showing that police officers are approachable, responsive, and committed to serving the community. This can improve public perceptions of police effectiveness and fairness and make people more likely to report crimes and cooperate with investigations.
2. Deterrence: Police visibility can also deter crime by creating a visible and active police presence in high-crime areas. This can make it more difficult for criminals to commit crimes without being detected and can create a sense of security among community members.
3. Engaging with the public: Police can engage with the public through formal and informal channels, such as community meetings and social media. This can help to build trust and improve communication between police and community members. It can also help police to understand community concerns and tailor their strategies to address those concerns effectively.
Businesses play a crucial role in preventing crime, as they have a responsibility to protect their assets and employees. Here are some ways in which businesses can prevent crime:
1. Implementing security measures: Businesses can implement various security measures to deter crime, such as installing surveillance cameras, alarms, and access control systems. These measures can help to deter criminals and make it more difficult for them to commit crimes.
2. Training employees: Businesses can also train their employees on how to recognize and respond to potential security threats. This can include training on how to identify suspicious behavior, how to respond in the event of a robbery or other crime, and how to report incidents to the police.
3. Collaborating with law enforcement: Businesses can also collaborate with law enforcement to prevent and investigate crimes. This can include sharing information on potential threats, participating in crime prevention initiatives, and working with law enforcement to identify suspects and solve crimes.
4. Providing a safe environment: Businesses have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for their employees and customers. This includes maintaining safe facilities, addressing potential hazards, and ensuring that employees are trained on emergency procedures.
Anti-theft mechanisms can be highly effective in deterring theft and protecting businesses from financial losses. Here are some benefits of implementing anti-theft mechanisms in businesses:
1. Deterrent effect: Anti-theft mechanisms can have a strong deterrent effect on potential thieves. Visible security measures such as surveillance cameras, alarms, and security personnel can make it more difficult and risky for thieves to attempt to steal from the business.
2. Protection of assets: Anti-theft mechanisms can protect businesses from financial losses due to theft. This is particularly important for businesses that sell high-value items or have a large amount of cash on hand.
3. Improved employee morale: When businesses implement anti-theft mechanisms, it can create a safer and more secure work environment for employees. This can improve employee morale and job satisfaction, as they feel that their workplace is taking their safety and security seriously.
4. Reduced insurance premiums: Businesses that have anti-theft mechanisms in place may be eligible for reduced insurance premiums, as they are seen as lower risk by insurance companies.
To implement anti-theft mechanisms effectively, businesses can take the following steps:
1. Conduct a risk assessment: Businesses should conduct a risk assessment to identify potential security threats and determine which anti-theft mechanisms are most appropriate for their needs.
2. Install visible security measures: Visible security measures such as surveillance cameras, alarms, and security personnel can have a strong deterrent effect on potential thieves.
3. Train employees: Businesses should train their employees on how to recognize and respond to potential security threats. This includes training on how to identify suspicious behavior, how to respond in the event of a theft, and how to report incidents to management.
4. Regularly review and update security measures: Businesses should regularly review and update their security measures to ensure that they are effective and up-to-date with the latest technology.
Increasing the number of officers in neighbourhood policing can have several benefits in terms of community engagement and trust. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Increased visibility: With more officers on the ground, neighbourhoods are likely to see an increase in police presence. This can help to reassure residents and deter criminal activity, as potential offenders are more likely to be caught.
2. Improved response times: With more officers in the neighbourhood, response times to emergency calls are likely to be faster. This can help to reduce the impact of criminal activity and increase residents' sense of safety and security.
3. Enhanced community engagement: Neighbourhood policing can help to build stronger relationships between police and community members. By working closely with residents, police can gain a better understanding of the concerns and issues affecting the community, and tailor their responses accordingly.
4. Greater trust: When police officers are visible and engaged in the community, it can help to build trust between residents and law enforcement. This can be especially important in communities that have historically had strained relationships with police.
To effectively increase the number of officers in neighbourhood policing, law enforcement agencies can take the following steps:
1. Develop a community policing strategy: Law enforcement agencies should develop a community policing strategy that outlines the objectives and goals of neighbourhood policing. This should include clear guidelines on officer roles, responsibilities, and training.
2. Build partnerships with community organizations: To effectively engage with communities, police should build partnerships with local community organizations, such as schools, churches, and non-profits. These partnerships can help to identify and address community concerns, as well as build trust between police and community members.
3. Utilize technology: Technology can be a useful tool for neighbourhood policing. For example, police can use social media to engage with residents and provide information about local events and crime prevention strategies.
4. Measure success: It's important to track and measure the success of neighbourhood policing initiatives. This can include tracking crime rates, response times, and resident satisfaction levels.
Community listening is an essential component of community policing, as it allows police forces to gain a better understanding of community needs, concerns, and expectations. Here are some best practices in community listening that police forces can implement effectively:
1. Engage with diverse communities: Police forces should engage with diverse communities to ensure that all voices are heard. This can include reaching out to community leaders, hosting town hall meetings, and attending community events.
2. Create safe spaces: Creating safe spaces for community members to share their concerns and experiences can help to build trust and encourage open communication. Police forces can achieve this by working with community organizations to identify suitable locations for meetings and discussions.
3. Listen actively: When engaging with community members, police officers should actively listen to their concerns and experiences. This can include asking open-ended questions, summarizing what has been said to ensure understanding, and providing a non-judgmental and supportive environment.
4. Follow up: Following up with community members after meetings and discussions can demonstrate the police force's commitment to addressing community concerns. This can include providing feedback on specific concerns raised, updating community members on progress, and seeking ongoing feedback.
5. Use data to inform listening: Data can help to identify areas of concern and focus community listening efforts. Police forces can use crime statistics, community surveys, and other sources of data to identify community needs and concerns and tailor listening efforts accordingly.
6. Train officers: Training officers in community listening skills can help to ensure that interactions with community members are productive and respectful. This can include training on active listening, communication skills, and cultural sensitivity.
iAGs, or Independent Advisory Groups, are community-based groups that provide advice and feedback to police forces. Treating IAGs as partners can have several benefits for community engagement and trust, including:
1. Building relationships: Working with IAGs as partners can help to build relationships between police forces and community members. This can create opportunities for open communication, trust-building, and collaboration.
2. Increasing community involvement: By treating IAGs as partners, police forces can increase community involvement in policing. This can help to ensure that community needs and concerns are being heard and addressed.
3. Improving accountability: IAGs can help to improve police accountability by providing feedback on police actions and decisions. This can help to ensure that police forces are acting in accordance with community values and expectations.
4. Enhancing problem-solving: Working with IAGs as partners can enhance problem-solving in policing. IAGs can provide unique insights into community issues and help to identify solutions that are responsive to community needs.
5. Reducing conflict: By engaging with IAGs as partners, police forces can reduce conflict and improve community relations. IAGs can provide a channel for community members to voice their concerns and provide feedback, which can reduce tensions and promote constructive dialogue.
6. Increasing diversity: IAGs can help to increase diversity within police forces by providing a platform for underrepresented communities to participate in policing. This can help to ensure that police forces are responsive to the needs of all community members.
The importance of police officers demonstrating understanding and involving the public in their decision-making process lies in the fact that it promotes transparency, trust, and accountability. By involving the public in their decision-making process, police officers can:
1. Increase transparency: Involving the public in decision-making processes can promote transparency in policing. This can help to build trust between police officers and the public, as people will be more likely to support decisions that they understand and can participate in.
2. Improve trust: When police officers involve the public in decision-making processes, it can help to improve trust between police officers and the public. This can lead to better communication and collaboration, which can ultimately lead to safer communities.
3. Increase accountability: Involving the public in decision-making processes can also help to increase accountability in policing. When people are involved in the decision-making process, they can hold police officers accountable for their decisions and actions.
4. Promote community policing: Community policing involves building relationships between police officers and the community they serve. By involving the public in decision-making processes, police officers can promote community policing and work collaboratively with community members to solve problems and prevent crime.
5. Increase understanding: Involving the public in decision-making processes can increase understanding and awareness of the challenges and complexities of policing. This can help to promote empathy and understanding between police officers and the public.
Overall, involving the public in decision-making processes is crucial for promoting transparency, trust, and accountability in policing. By doing so, police officers can build relationships with community members, improve communication and collaboration, and work together to promote safer communities.
Increasing the precept by RPI (Retail Price Index) can have a significant impact on police funding and public perception. The precept is the portion of council tax that is allocated to police funding, and it is collected by local authorities on behalf of police and crime commissioners (PCCs). The RPI is a measure of inflation that is used to calculate the precept.
Here are some potential impacts of increasing the precept by RPI:
1. Increased police funding: Increasing the precept by RPI can lead to increased police funding. This can enable police forces to hire more officers, improve equipment, and invest in technology and training.
2. Improved public safety: Increased police funding can lead to improved public safety. With more resources, police forces can be more proactive in preventing crime and responding to incidents.
3. Positive public perception: If the public sees that police forces are receiving more funding, they may have a more positive perception of the police. This can lead to increased support for the police and greater confidence in their ability to keep communities safe.
However, increasing the precept by RPI can also have some potential drawbacks:
1. Financial strain on households: Increasing the precept by RPI can lead to higher council tax bills for households. This can put a strain on household budgets, particularly for those on lower incomes.
2. Negative public perception: If the public perceives that the increase in precept is unjustified, they may have a negative perception of the police. This can lead to decreased support for the police and lower confidence in their ability to keep communities safe.
3. Political backlash: If the increase in precept is perceived as politically motivated or unjustified, it may lead to a backlash against PCCs and local authorities. This can lead to political consequences for those involved.
Improving the handling of complaints and disciplinary issues can play a significant role in improving public trust and confidence in the police. Here are some ways to achieve this:
1. Establish clear policies and procedures: Police forces should have clear policies and procedures in place for handling complaints and disciplinary issues. These policies should be transparent and accessible to the public, so that they know what to expect when making a complaint or reporting a disciplinary issue.
2. Provide training: Police officers should receive regular training on how to handle complaints and disciplinary issues in a professional and impartial manner. This can include training on conflict resolution, active listening, and empathy.
3. Empower independent oversight: Independent oversight bodies, such as police complaints commissions, can help to increase transparency and accountability in the handling of complaints and disciplinary issues. These bodies should have the power to investigate complaints independently and to make binding decisions.
4. Use technology: Technology can play a valuable role in improving the handling of complaints and disciplinary issues. For example, online complaint forms can make it easier for members of the public to make complaints, and case management software can help to ensure that complaints are handled efficiently and effectively.
5. Engage with the public: Police forces should engage with the public to ensure that they understand how complaints and disciplinary issues are handled. This can include holding public meetings to discuss the issue, creating information campaigns, and using social media to provide updates on ongoing investigations.
6. Promote transparency: Police forces should be transparent about the outcomes of complaints and disciplinary investigations. This can include publishing reports on the number and nature of complaints, and providing regular updates on ongoing investigations.
Improving national conviction rates requires a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between the police and other bodies such as the Crown Prosecution
Service (CPS). Here are some steps that can be taken to improve conviction rates:
1. Strengthen the relationship between the police and the CPS: Police forces and the CPS should work together more closely to ensure that cases are prepared thoroughly and that evidence is presented effectively. This can involve regular communication and sharing of information between the two organizations.
2. Provide training for police officers: Police officers should receive regular training on how to gather and present evidence in a way that is admissible in court. This can help to increase the chances of successful prosecutions and improve conviction rates.
3. Increase resources: The police and the CPS require adequate resources to ensure that cases are investigated and prosecuted effectively. This can involve increasing funding for the police and the CPS, and investing in new technologies and tools to improve efficiency.
4. Encourage community engagement: Encouraging community engagement can help to improve conviction rates by increasing the likelihood of witnesses coming forward and providing evidence. Police forces should work with community groups to build trust and encourage people to report crimes.
5. Use data and analytics: Data and analytics can help to identify patterns and trends in crime, which can help police forces to allocate resources more effectively and increase the likelihood of successful prosecutions.
6. Review and evaluate processes: Police forces and the CPS should regularly review and evaluate their processes to identify areas for improvement. This can involve looking at the effectiveness of training programs, analyzing the outcomes of cases, and implementing changes to improve performance.
By taking these steps, police forces and other bodies such as the CPS can work together to improve conviction rates, increase public confidence in the criminal justice system, and ultimately contribute to a safer society.
The quality of the case file prepared by the police is critical in securing convictions, as it serves as the primary evidence presented in court. A well-prepared file can help prosecutors to build a strong case and increase the likelihood of a conviction. Here are some ways police forces can improve file preparation:
1. Thorough investigations: To prepare a high-quality case file, police officers need to conduct thorough investigations. This involves gathering all the available evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing forensic evidence. Police officers should be trained to conduct investigations in a way that is thorough and methodical.
2. Use of technology: Technology can help police forces to collect and analyze evidence more effectively. This includes the use of body-worn cameras, forensic analysis software, and digital evidence management systems. These tools can help to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and organized in a way that is admissible in court.
3. Attention to detail: Attention to detail is critical in file preparation. Police officers should ensure that all relevant information is included in the file, and that it is organized in a clear and logical way. This includes details of the investigation, witness statements, and forensic evidence.
4. Regular reviews: Police forces should have a system in place for regular review of case files to ensure that they meet the required standards. This can involve checking for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with legal requirements.
5. Training: Police officers should receive regular training on file preparation to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. This includes training on legal requirements, evidence collection, and file organization.
6. Collaboration with prosecutors: Police officers should work closely with prosecutors to ensure that the case file meets the required standard. This can involve regular communication, providing updates on the progress of the investigation, and seeking feedback on the quality of the file.
he criminal justice system (CJS) is made up of multiple agencies, including the police, courts, and correctional institutions. These agencies work together to ensure that criminals are brought to justice and that public safety is maintained. However, the current system has been criticized for being fragmented and inefficient, with poor coordination between different agencies.
One potential solution to this problem is to create an umbrella organization that would oversee and coordinate the work of all CJS agencies. Here are some potential benefits and challenges of this approach:
Benefits:
1. Improved coordination: By creating an umbrella organization, CJS agencies can work together more effectively and efficiently. This would reduce duplication of effort and ensure that cases are handled in a timely and effective manner.
2. Better resource allocation: An umbrella organization would have a clearer view of resource needs across the CJS and be able to allocate them more effectively. This would lead to better use of public funds and more efficient operations.
3. Consistent policies and procedures: An umbrella organization could establish consistent policies and procedures across the CJS. This would help to reduce confusion and ensure that cases are handled fairly and consistently.
4. Greater public confidence: A more coordinated and efficient CJS would inspire greater public confidence in the system. This would help to improve community relations and promote trust in law enforcement.
Challenges:
1. Resistance to change: The creation of an umbrella organization would require significant changes to existing structures and processes. This could lead to resistance from agencies that are reluctant to cede control or change their way of working.
2. Political challenges: The creation of an umbrella organization would require political will and support at all levels of government. This could be difficult to achieve in a highly politicized environment.
3. Legal challenges: The creation of an umbrella organization could raise legal issues related to the jurisdiction and authority of different agencies. This could lead to legal challenges and delays.
4. Funding challenges: The creation of an umbrella organization would require additional funding. This could be difficult to secure in an environment of constrained public resources.
London Observations
They are looking at Trust &Confidence the wrong way round; it needs to be built back into the officers. The public want core policing, as above, with good engagement with the police and visible results in crime reduction.
The MPS’s “soul” has been so damaged. Post Sarah Everard, officers too ashamed to get out of their car to confront people. Communal shame is real and destructive. Young recruits privately state they would be afraid to make arrests lest they make a mistake that effects their service; afraid to grass on a colleague for fear of retribution and being isolated. The IAG in my borough’s advice to all officers was “Get over yourselves, and on with the job. Believe you are the best, because most of you are, and, in their hearts, the public know that. Your duty is to protect people from others and from themselves, without fear or prejudice”. And this mantra should be echoed by government at all levels.
IAGs in London also fear new recruiting process, taking in 18 year olds, and much of the initial recruiting process done on line. The rush to recruit is dangerous; quality must come before quantity.
The MPS should beware trying to streamline their geographical engagement and independent advice by amalgamating borough level into much wider, Basic Command Unit, structures. Their advisors and community organisers understand their own borough, with its different and differing communities and grass root connections, but would be loathed to attempt to understand another, because they are all so different. Community policing only succeeds at a level that both sides can “touch”, be that by ward or by by borough.
April 2023