Abstract
Policing does not exist in a social, political or economic vacuum. The change of Government in the UK and the current global economic situation has brought about the publication of several major official reports and media announcements concerning a shift in policing priorities and the delivery of policing services in England and Wales. Such changes, combined with other events has allowed those who wish changes to be introduced to the accountability and governance process of policing throughout England and Wales much more momentum, more general support than hitherto seen coupled with a more robust licence to implement reforms. Discussion surrounding the proposed reforms allows for deeper explanation and understanding of their impact, in particular the way in which such changes may impact on wider society. This may affect the way the police organisation operates and provides service to its customers, In turn influencing the sometimes delicate balance in relationships between community, partnerships and the police.
Highlights
Policing in any country does not exist in a social, political or economic vacuum (Dölling 1993) and no one can be in any doubt that the police service in England and Wales, alongside other countries is currently undergoing a major transformation
Framed against a major economic downturn, organisational changes and proposed reforms to pay and conditions, the British police service is attempting to align itself to a more streamlined approach to delivering an effective, efficient and economical product to the community and others with whom the police interact. Driving these changes are a large number of important official reports and publications that will have a major impact upon thinking about the reformation of the police
In a survey conducted by the Cabinet Office in 2007, only 7% of respondents indicated that if they had an issue with the delivery of policing services, they would know to contact their local police authority (Home Office 2010c)
Summary
Policing in any country does not exist in a social, political or economic vacuum (Dölling 1993) and no one can be in any doubt that the police service in England and Wales, alongside other countries is currently undergoing a major transformation. Framed against a major economic downturn, organisational changes and proposed reforms to pay and conditions, the British police service is attempting to align itself to a more streamlined approach to delivering an effective, efficient and economical product to the community and others with whom the police interact. Driving these changes are a large number of important official reports and publications that will have a major impact upon thinking about the reformation of the police. The purpose of this article is to consider the major elements and fundamentals currently underpinning the proposed changes and reform, which will have resonance with policing agencies in an international context
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