07-06-2022, 07:47 PM
The Liberal Party notes with disappointment that the Metropolitan and Wiltshire police forces have been placed in special measurers due to ongoing concerns over performance and management.
As such they join Greater Manchester, Cleveland, Gloucestershire, and Staffordshire in being subject to increased scrutiny.
Whilst the reduction in police manpower in the name of austerity has affected police forces operational performance, many of the issues are institutionalised, ingrained, and compounded by a restricted pool of candidates for senior positions.
The general public cannot have full confidence in police forces where reputation protection is priorities over accountability and openness to scrutiny.
To restore public confidence in the nation’s police forces we believe that the previous Police Oversight Boards which existed prior to the creation of the post of Police and Crime Commissioner should be re-instated.
We also believe that Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) should be empowered to investigate police forces and request and inspect police files and interview staff.
As such they join Greater Manchester, Cleveland, Gloucestershire, and Staffordshire in being subject to increased scrutiny.
Whilst the reduction in police manpower in the name of austerity has affected police forces operational performance, many of the issues are institutionalised, ingrained, and compounded by a restricted pool of candidates for senior positions.
The general public cannot have full confidence in police forces where reputation protection is priorities over accountability and openness to scrutiny.
To restore public confidence in the nation’s police forces we believe that the previous Police Oversight Boards which existed prior to the creation of the post of Police and Crime Commissioner should be re-instated.
We also believe that Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) should be empowered to investigate police forces and request and inspect police files and interview staff.