17 May 2011
Sir Hugh Orde sent a letter to The Telegraph in response to editorial published on 13th May entitled 'The police should not fear the people's voice'.
Sir
Impartiality and operational independence are a vital part of the unique character of British policing. Equally vital is strong accountability to the public we serve. Chief police officers across the service remain steadfast and constant on these key principles.
Work on the protocol published last week has made good progress and its direction of travel has ACPO support. We believe there remain some important aspects still outstanding.
These are the legal status of the protocol, the process of appointment and dismissal of chief constables and the Strategic Policing Requirement, which will set out those areas of policing which require local forces to pool and deploy resource at a national level in order to protect the public.
As senior leaders of the police service we continue to offer a professional view on these points.
Sir Hugh Orde
President of the Association of Chief Police Officers
For more information please contact:
ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk
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By email: press.office@npcc.police.uk