NPCC response to HMICFRS State of Policing report 2020

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Martin Hewitt said:

"The HMICFRS annual report highlights the challenges that the pandemic has thrown at society and their impact across the public sector. It rightly recognises the "exemplary" response from policing. Officers and staff across the country have worked incredibly hard, with creativity and innovation to meet the challenges and continue to protect the public.

"The report also rightly recognises the pressure on the criminal justice system and mental health services and the serious impact this has for society and the additional demand it places on policing.

“We are actively supporting greater coordination and collaboration across policing and other parts of the public sector. We endorse the recommendation for multi-year funding settlements – policing will be more efficient and effective as a result.

“High standards in recruitment and vetting are essential in bringing the best into policing and preventing anyone unsuitable from joining us. We will be engaging with HMICFRS to understand their concerns about current recruitment and vetting risks as we don’t recognise the description of these systems failing in too many cases.”