The Police Superintendents' Association of England and Wales welcomes the Reducing Bureaucracy Report

Wednesday, 2 December 2009 12:00 AM

The Police Superintendents' Association of England and Wales welcomes the Reducing Bureaucracy Report by Jan Berry.

Speaking about the report, Chief Superintendent Derek Barnett, President Elect of the PSAEW said:

"Over the last ten years there have been several reviews aimed at reducing bureaucracy in the Police Service, yet progress has been limited in achieving what all within policing would wish to see, that is real reduction in bureaucracy. This report recognises that bureaucracy is not simply about cutting the amount of paperwork and official forms which, although important, is simply the symptom of a much larger problem of too much data collection, duplication and insufficient use of information technology, a criminal justice system that is not unified and a growing aversion to risk being imposed on the police service.

"Jan Berry has the respect and credibility of someone who is recognised as having an unchallengeable understanding of modern policing. Her report and the 42 recommendations demand urgent action on behalf of the Home Office and all major police stakeholders.

"Several of the recommendations are of a practical nature that can be implemented relatively quickly, however there are clearly some recommendations that will require the will to take concerted action across government and within the criminal justice system and the Superintendents' Association urges the Home Office to act decisively in bringing all parties together to take action and not simply let another opportunity to make a difference pass by.

"A key recommendation of this report is the enhancing of police discretion devolving decision making to the most appropriate level, and the widening of the four Force Pilot Schemes that seek to introduce proportionate crime recording. This will require strong leadership and the members of the Superintendents' Association who are senior leaders within policing will play their part.

"Finally, it is nearly 50 years since there has been a fundamental review of Policing, and the Superintendents' Association strongly supports the recommendation calling for a public debate about the optimum structure for efficient and effective policing in England & Wales and the role, purpose and operational independence of the police in today's changing environment."

Police Superintendents' Association Of England & Wales

67A Reading Road

Pangbourne

Berkshire

RG8 7JD

Tel: 0118 984 4005

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