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19/09/2005
Clarke calls for policing reform
Home Secretary Charles Clarke has called on the police service to make proposals for the creation of regional ‘strategic forces’.
Mr Clarke’s call follows last week’s publication of a report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, which suggested that the current 43 forces structure is no longer fit for its purpose.
The report said that the present policing structure was not “sufficiently robust” to provide services such as conducting major investigation. It recommended creating strategic police forces to provide both effective neighbourhood policing and protective services.
The Home Secretary admitted that the proposals would mean less police forces, but said that they would enable the creation of “bigger, more strategic constabularies”, and forces that were “ready and equipped for policing in the 21st century”.
Commenting on the proposals, Mr Clarke said: “It is clear that policing needs to change if it is to meet the challenges of the modern world.
"I want to see local police teams working in - and responsible for - an area which in most places will be the size of one or two local wards.”
The Home Secretary continued: “The modern threats we face today from terrorism, international drug and people traffickers and financial crime gangs need police forces which have the resources and capabilities to match the criminals.
"As the HMIC report indicates, currently, some forces are simply too small to meet these challenges. We need strategic forces able to address them effectively and to provide the support, which localities need. Doing things 43 different ways no longer works.”
The Home Secretary has asked all police chiefs to draw up their proposals in response to the HMIC report.
(KMcA/SP)
Mr Clarke’s call follows last week’s publication of a report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, which suggested that the current 43 forces structure is no longer fit for its purpose.
The report said that the present policing structure was not “sufficiently robust” to provide services such as conducting major investigation. It recommended creating strategic police forces to provide both effective neighbourhood policing and protective services.
The Home Secretary admitted that the proposals would mean less police forces, but said that they would enable the creation of “bigger, more strategic constabularies”, and forces that were “ready and equipped for policing in the 21st century”.
Commenting on the proposals, Mr Clarke said: “It is clear that policing needs to change if it is to meet the challenges of the modern world.
"I want to see local police teams working in - and responsible for - an area which in most places will be the size of one or two local wards.”
The Home Secretary continued: “The modern threats we face today from terrorism, international drug and people traffickers and financial crime gangs need police forces which have the resources and capabilities to match the criminals.
"As the HMIC report indicates, currently, some forces are simply too small to meet these challenges. We need strategic forces able to address them effectively and to provide the support, which localities need. Doing things 43 different ways no longer works.”
The Home Secretary has asked all police chiefs to draw up their proposals in response to the HMIC report.
(KMcA/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
