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)