Commenting on the first 100 days of the Coalition Government, APA Deputy Chair, Ann Barnes today said:
“We’ve understandably had a whirlwind of activity proposing fundamental reforms of policing, alongside the NHS, schools and welfare. The Coalition Government is in a hurry, not least in its desire to replace Police Authorities with Police Commissioners. It has cut short consultation on this proposal and seems to want to rush these fundamental reforms through.
The public understand the need to tackle the deficit. But where's the evidence that the public want Commissioners or that Commissioners on their own will cut crime? People tell me they want to see costs cut and criminals caught not expensive contests for Police Commissioners.
The APA is absolutely committed to working with the Government to improve policing and cut costs, as well as a genuine dialogue to identify the most effective model for the future of policing governance. But the public’s priorities should be the top of any new government’s ‘to do’ list, rather than a rush to implement un-costed change without an evidenced business case or public support.”