Chief calls for return to neighbourhood policing
Police officers need to be much more visible in their communities and focus on "putting doors in to catch people" to win back the trust of the public, says the new Chief Inspector of Constabulary.
Andy Cooke, the former Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, said he wanted forces to re-evaluate their priorities, saying police should be attending every house burglary, and calling for a return to having officers based in schools.
Mr Cooke, 57, said: "Prioritisation is really important. At the moment, the focus, in my personal view, isn't necessarily on some of the right things."
Mr Cooke, who is two months into his role of trying to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of police forces and fire services, said he wanted to see a return to neighbourhood policing in an attempt to deter criminals, build intelligence, and win back the trust of communities.
He said: "Neighbourhood policing isn't about walking down streets kissing babies on the head and waving to shopkeepers, you've got to have an edge.
"The neighbourhood officers have got to be seen to be taking action against problems, whether that's through problem-solving or through putting doors in to catch people.
"It's not just about PR. It takes a resource to do it but it's the building block for everything else."
He added: "When I was a young officer, there weren't all the different forms to fill in, the challenge of new technology and spending every minute of your shift being photographed or videoed by someone.
"It's a very difficult job and I think 99% of those who work in policing do an exceptional job .”