Response to HMICFRS effectiveness report
Chief Constable Mike Cunningham, College of Policing CEO, said:
“The report highlights that most forces are effective at keeping people safe and are improving how they identify and respond to the most vulnerable people in their communities.
“It acknowledges the work that the College has done, and is continuing to do, regarding vulnerability, neighbourhood policing guidelines, supporting recruitment into investigator roles and providing peer reviews to forces.
“We recognise that there is continuing pressure on forces to deliver the high levels of service which the public expect at a time of increasing demand. We are committed to working with colleagues across the service to support and develop officers and staff.
“Overall levels of public confidence in the police remain high and we will continue to ensure our members have the skills and training required to reflect and respond to the new challenges policing faces in the future.”
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Notes to editors
The College of Policing had a number of specific recommendations in the HMICFRS’ effectiveness report and the action we are taking in response to those different areas are summarised below:
- Police response to vulnerability
The College is continuing to work hard on a number of activities to further improve policing's response to vulnerability, following the award of police transformation funding in late 2016.
We have developed a vulnerability training package, which encourages frontline officers and staff to look beyond the obvious and feel empowered to use their professional curiosity when dealing with those who are vulnerable.
- Neighbourhood policing guidelines
The College has worked with colleagues from across policing to consider the best available evidence for effective neighbourhood policing. We are in the process of finalising guidelines to support forces to consistently and effectively engage with the public to solve problems, reduce crime and promote community safety.
- Recruitment of investigators
As the professional body for policing, we are aware of the difficulties in recruiting officers and staff into investigative roles and we are working with the national policing lead to identify innovative recruitment strategies and best practice to attract the public and those working in policing to become investigators.
- Peer Reviews
Since April 2017 officers and College staff have carried out peer reviews in seven forces across England and Wales and we are keen to offer our specialist advice and support to other forces going forward.