2nd December 2013
Call to abolish police and crime commissioners, prospects of collaboration between forces, and the merits of a Welsh police force merger.
In this issue:
- Call to abolish police and crime commissioners
- Inter-force collaboration
- Other news this week
- Recruitment
Call to abolish police and crime commissioners
Police and crime commissioners reacted this week to proposals in a Labour-commissioned report for them to be abolished. Among those speaking in defence of their jobs were the PCCs for [Lancashire], [Dyfed Powys], [Leciestershire] and [Hertfordshire]. Other PCCs used the first anniversary of the first elections to give profile interviews in the local press:
- One year into his role as Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger feels he is already more recognisable than any member of the Police Authority he replaced. [Gazette]
- The PCC for the Thames Valley has spoken of cuts, criticism and priorities after one year in the job. [Newbury Today]
Wales could follow Scotland and merge its four police forces, the Labour-commissioned report by a former Metropolitan Police commissioner Lord Stevens has suggested. [BBC News]
Inter-force collaboration
A merger of “blue light” services is being explored by the Police and Crime Commissioner in Avon and Somerset. [BBC News]
Surrey PCC has said council officers wearing fluorescent jackets and cameras will soon join the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour. [Surrey Comet]
Cheshire Constabulary are looking into collaborating with both Fire and Ambulance services in the county in order to save money. [Police Professional]
Other news this week
A string of allegations including rape and sexual assaults have been made against Essex police staff, it has emerged. [BBC News]
- A change in the culture and ethics in the police needs to come from the top, says the force’s PCC. [The Enquirer]
West Yorkshire Police has spent more than £3 million in the last four years on keeping the peace at English Defence League demonstrations, new figures have revealed. [Yorkshire Evening Post]
Projects dedicated to fighting crime and making communities safer have been awarded thousands of pounds from Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner. [Daily Echo]
Plans for policing in the next five years in Humberside will be outlined by the police and crime commissioner. [The Press]
A watchdog is investigating South Yorkshire Police‘s handling of complaints about a rock star who has admitted child sex offences. [BBC News]
Recruitment
New police officers will be recruited next y ear, according to the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire. [The Press]