PSAEW: HMIC Report - Police Authority Inspections

Tuesday, 26 October 2010 12:00 AM

Responding to the publication today of the HMIC thematic Police Governance in Austerity, Chief Superintendent Irene Curtis, Vice President of the Police Superintendents' Association, said:

'We welcome the timeliness of this report and are encouraged by the clarity offered in relation to 'operational independence' which will come under increasing scrutiny as the proposed role of Police and Crime Commissioners is defined in the coming months. Senior officers are united in their belief that this must not be compromised, whatever changes are deemed necessary in accountability procedures.

'This Association is a strong supporter of police authorities and the excellent work they do in holding forces to account, both in terms of performance and providing value for money.

'Everyone involved in policing is aware of the need for continuous improvement, never more so than in these challenging economic times. This report helpfully highlights areas of good practice from which all authorities can learn to ensure communities receive the best service possible from their local force.

'As we move through this period of unprecedented reform in the Service, we would urge police authorities to actively engage with Staff Associations so we can all work together to the best of our abilities, particularly with Superintendents as they will be the senior operational managers driving through enforced change programmes resulting from reduced budgets.'

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