The real problem for our police forces is the toxic ‘jobs for the boys’ culture at the very top, writes former Home Secretary DAVID BLUNKETT
Thousands of police officers put themselves at risk on our behalf every day. Their example shines especially when you remember that some are killed and thousands more are injured in the line of duty every year.
But the courage and dedication of these individuals cannot hide the disturbing contrast between the best and the worst of British policing – failures exposed in a series of recent scandals.
That is why the independent Police Leadership Commission, supported by the Home Office, concluded that we need a radical overhaul of recruitment, training, evaluation and promotion.
And nowhere do we need more radical change than at the top.
As a former Home Secretary, I thought I knew a lot about policing. Yet over the nine months of this investigation I have learned more co-chairing than I have learned in the nearly four years I have been at the Home Office.
For example, I learned how civil servants at all levels lose trust in those above them.
In a recent survey, only 16 percent of police officers felt comfortable discussing issues and challenging those above them. But the demands we make on them continue to increase.
Police officers are so often forced to serve as ‘temporary sergeants’ that the practice has now become commonplace.
David Blunkett writes: ‘We need a radical overhaul of recruitment, training, evaluation and promotion.’
Former home secretary believes radical change is needed ‘at the top’ of the police force
Sergeants are crucial leaders on the front line. However, police officers who want to make this important move permanent face a completely outdated examination and qualification system; This means that almost 50 percent of candidates leave school without qualifying.
There is also the collection and use of police data; While this is not quite in the Stone Age, it is not far off either.
But we found the most disturbing evidence of failure, especially when it comes to promotions, at the highest levels in policing.
I do not use the word ‘nepotism’ lightly because it implies deep-rooted preferential treatment of those close to senior civil servants who make the decisions.
But I’m afraid it’s true. We received detailed evidence from roundtable discussions.
We received 484 applications for the ‘call for evidence’ and approximately 1,800 sergeants and inspectors responded to the survey.
The message was the same: there is a complete lack of confidence in the promotion ladder and an unwillingness to step up to the next rung of leadership.
The ‘pipes’ of those who reach the senior grades are woefully inadequate. Our recommendations aim to encourage and support high-quality potential leaders to come forward.
To do this, they need to be confident that they will receive support but also be held accountable.
The decisions they make will often be challenged. Therefore, senior leaders must be trusted to have the ethics and kindness that will inspire those who work for them.
Unfortunately, as many cases highlight, the evidence leaves much to be desired.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has received 107 referrals involving chief officers since 2018, from a group of 43 chief constables and 220 senior officers, leading to 78 investigations.
Eight police chiefs or former police chiefs are under investigation or awaiting disciplinary proceedings.
Our findings support the Government’s police reform white paper, which stipulates that the new national police force should include measures to ensure a transparent selection and appointment process.
Rest assured that our 27 recommendations relate directly to the shocking events at Charing Cross prison in London; This incident resulted in the dismissal of ten police officers for their thuggish behavior.
Let’s celebrate those who are deeply committed and take pride in their work. Let us also ensure that this top-to-bottom reset creates the new national police force that the people of this island deserve.
We need to know that we will have a revitalized force with us in our neighborhoods and in our homes, reassuring us and keeping us safe.
