Federation response to HAC report

26 January 2010

26 January 2010

In a report published today the Home Affairs Committee warns that forces will need to reconsider how they do business in a bid to deliver the current government policy of more for less. The report, which recommends more government support is given to the service in order that forces deliver the same standards in tighter restraints, also puts force mergers back on the table and suggests utilising private sector firms for backroom support.

Whilst the Federation accept that the police service cannot stand still and that change is vital - we are concerned over the governments approach to reform and the lack of consultation given with the public. It is vital that if reform is to take place it is carried out on a basis of service effectiveness not just financial efficiency. The end result of change must be that the public are left with an improved, more effective force that continues to provide a first rate service.

Responding to the report Paul McKeever, chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales says;

"Sometimes the political approach to cost cutting in the public sector makes me feel I'm living in a sort of groundhog day where the same carefully worded lines are repeated, the same promises to consult given and the same failure to do so a sad inevitability. Decisions to change the current 43 force structure or to bring in private sector support, must be a result of a wholesale review of policing in an environmental context and not a quick fix solution for the sake of cost cutting."

"Let's get reform the right way round with the rights and wants of the public at the heart of any decisions taken and proper consideration and consultation given on how we can get the effective solutions."

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