Arrested Development: Unlocking change in the police service

Article

This report argues that there is a strong case for widespread changes to the way the police work: how they are paid, managed, trained and recruited. It also argues for much greater integration of policing systems and processes across the country, for much greater focus by the police on the needs of the citizen and for a transformation of the organisational culture of policing, which remains far too risk averse and process driven.

The time has come for radical reform to the police service in England and Wales as funding is set to be cut and the police face new challenges.

This report argues that there is a strong case for widespread changes to the way the police work: how they are paid, managed, trained and recruited. It also argues for much greater integration of policing systems and processes acrossthe country, for much greater focus by the police on the needs of the citizen and for a transformation of the organisational culture of policing, which remains far too risk averse and process driven.

None of these reforms can be progressed unless we tackle a wider set of problems that are caused by the way the police service is governed, organised and held to account.

Related items

  1. A view of Glasgow, Scotland, from above.

    More than a safety net: The welfare state as springboard to economic success and a better country

    A perceived conflict between social spending and economic dynamism is deeply embedded in both Scottish and UK political discourse.
  2. The Home Office building in London

    Far from settled: The government’s ‘earned settlement’ consultation

    How long should people have to wait until they can permanently settle in the UK? This is the core question underpinning the Home Office’s ‘earned settlement’ policy, currently out for consultation.

  3. Rethinking public sector productivity

    This is the second in a series of IPPR Scotland blogs as part of our project on Employment, Productivity and Reform in the Scottish Public Sector. This project is funded by the Robertson Trust.