APCC Response to HMICFRS report
Responding to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) report, APCC Lead for Performance, Matthew Scott said:
“This is a comprehensive report that highlights four main areas for reform but also recognises that most police forces and officers show integrity and bravery despite the strain and challenges they face in trying to meet the demands of modern-day policing.
“PCCs have an important role within the wider criminal justice system. They have responsibility for commissioning the majority of local services to help victims of crime, ensuring they are supported throughout the criminal justice process and are receiving their entitlements under the Victims Code of Practice. In addition, the Ministry of Justice is developing new probation arrangements which will include a stronger role for PCCs and we hope will help to resolve some of the problems with offender management that Sir Tom Winsor has flagged in his report.
“Police and Crime Commissioners advocate the necessity for multiyear financial settlements for all forces to allow for effective short- and medium-term financial planning. PCCs have consistently made this case to government.
“We know that that best way to reduce violence in our communities is to invest in preventative measures, and PCCs are best placed to deliver this work locally. We will continue our work to ensure a better and more sustainable policing settlement, for all forces. It is vital we have a whole-system cross-Government approach to this, including reinvigorating local partnerships through bodies such as Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs). In addition, the reduction in youth services and the significant rise in school exclusions needs to be addressed.”