Police constables are best placed to assess the effectiveness of governmental reforms to ensure that the service is the best it can be, politicians were told. During a Parlimentary reception organised by the Constables’ Central Committee, Chairman Will Riches (pictured) told MPs – including Policing and Criminal Justice Minister Damian Green and Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper – that the knowledge constables can offer acts as a “good barometer” for how the reforms are working. He urged more than 50 MPs at the reception to save money on consultants and instead use constables who are “ideally placed to assess the impact and effectiveness of reform.” The event at the House of Commons heard how police officers remain “much loved” by politicians and the public alike. But Mr Riches said there had to be more than kind words from politicians. He said front line officers “must have productive and constructive dialogue with you so we can properly represent our members as well as deliver the best possible Police Service for the public of England and Wales.” “We represent the front line of policing,” he added. “We have seen dramatic changes to the way we do business and our terms and conditions, pay and pensions. Some of these have been a bitter pill to swallow for our members. “No one has been more affected by the wholesale cuts to the policing budget than the 104,000 constables who are serving on the front line. We have to do more and more with less and less. “It is time that a little more than praise and plaudits were given back to police officers. We need some tangible positivity that makes officers realise they are truly valued for what they do. “The commitment and attitude of police officers is a commodity that is immeasurable but it is priceless and we must strive to protect that”. At the reception, hosted by Home Affairs Committee Chairman Keith Vaz, Mr Green said he was “proud” of the relationship he had built up with the Fed as police minister. He added: “The police are held at high esteem at all levels. When I visit forces around the country, I always make a point of trying to talk to front line officers. What always strikes me is the sheer breadth of roles that any constable has to do in the course of a shift. It always impresses me. “I know there will inevitably be areas we disagree. And we have to work those disagreements through. But there are many areas where we agree - the need to support officers in furthering their professional skills. “The Home Office is trying to help police officers do their jobs more effectively.” Mrs Cooper added: “We know [policing] is a job like no other. The risks you take on our behalf, the work you do, the fact you never know each day what you are dealing with. The work you are doing – not just to cut crime but the work to keep the public safe and the complete mix of things you deal with.”
Posted on: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 07:11:47 +0000
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