Federation response to Louise Casey review

18 June 2008

 

Paul McKeever, Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales:

“If this report is more than just a political gimmick then it’s a step in the right direction and should broadly be welcomed, although it may have been useful for Ms Casey to consult with us as part of the review as we represent the 140,000 frontline officers in England and Wales. The report underlines once again the alarming lack of confidence the public have in the criminal justice system – and the worrying disparity between government crime figures and the perception of crime in local areas.

“Whilst it is right that the review recommendations should contribute to the governments green paper on policing this yet again highlights the piecemeal attitude to reform by government. There have been so many different reviews of policing and the criminal justice system but as yet there has been no recognition given to the Federation’s call for a holistic review of policing that is so desperately needed.

“The report is right to recommend scrapping the national targets that all too often hinder and restrict common sense policing and local accountability. However it is worrying that it is suggested CSOs should be given more powers, particularly when there has still been no evaluation of the role they currently perform. Any extension of powers will lead to more confrontation and they will no longer be the eyes and ears they were intended to be.”
 

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