ACPO joint letter to The Times

The following letter was published on 10 May, 2011.

A feature of policing in the British model is that far from resisting change, it welcomes public scrutiny

"Sir,

"Let us be clear; crime is down year on year in every major category and the prisons are full to overflowing. Contrary to your leading article [May 9], public confidence in the police is not falling and is consistently higher for the police than for many other professions. As far as the complaints system is concerned we think that the public will be reassured that we do not tolerate serious misconduct and that those who fail to adhere to our high standards will be dismissed.

"Under any governance system things will go wrong. A feature of policing in the British model is that far from resisting change, it welcomes public scrutiny from any quarter (including an independent complaints body) and embraces need for change. Mistakes are rightly analysed but police officers and police staff should be supported for their daily successes, such as the international paedophile ring smashed by Lincolnshire police last week or the policing of the royal wedding. It is disappointing that some commentators appear so reluctant to acknowledge good news."

Sir Hugh Orde
President, Association of Chief Police Officers

Derek Barnett
President, Police Superintendents’ Association

Paul McKeever
Chair, Police Federation of England and Wales

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk