Public ‘defrauded by looming crisis in policing’

THE PUBLIC is being “defrauded” as policing stands on the brink of crisis in many areas, according to the head of a body that represents senior officers.

Chief Superintendent Gavin Thomas, President of the Police Superintendents’ Association, will this week voice “genuine fears” for the service in England and Wales, saying it is “utterly reliant” on fewer people working longer and harder.

The officer will tell the association’s annual conference: “I cannot emphasise enough that the delivery of routine policing functions should not be dependent on officers effectively giving their time for free by staying past their shift times or working on leave days. That exploits police officers and defrauds the public.”

Speaking at last year’s conference, he argued policing was in the midst of a “perfect storm”.

Tomorrow, he will say: “I would now suggest that this great service is on the verge of crisis in many areas.

He will urge Home Secretary Sajid Javid and police leaders to make “difficult and bold” choices.

Mr Thomas is expected to say: “There is a void in the long-term strategic vision for the police service of the future.

“We need to know what the overall goal is for reform. What are we ultimately working towards? What is the vision for policing in 21st century England and Wales?”

The Association has highlighted concerns about “collaborations”, where officers have responsibilities across more than one force.

Its research found officers reported spending hours in a car some days covering areas of more than 100 miles, using two different laptops, IDs and email addresses for the same job.

The speech could spark fresh scrutiny of police resources and staffing levels amid rising levels of recorded crime, including serious violence, and an unprecedented terror threat.

Last week, it emerged that forces have been closing hundreds of thousands of residential burglary, vehicle theft and shoplifting investigations without identifying any suspect.

In his first major policing speech in May, Mr Javid pledged to prioritise police funding in the next spending review.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: “The Home Secretary has made it clear that he is committed to a good working relationship with the police and to ensuring that front line officers get the support and professional development they deserve.”

She said the ongoing Front Line Review would help drive change and the 2018-19 police settlement was increasing total investment by more than £460m.