Home Affairs CommitteeWritten evidence submitted by David Treadwell [LSP 03]
If this should be considered as “written evidence” is a moot point, but we have been engaged locally with matters relating to the constabulary, following the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.
I, David Treadwell, am currently involved locally, as a member of a “Acocks Green Neighbourhood Forum” and we are represented on the West Midlands Police, Birmingham East Local Policing Unit, Operational Advisory Group (OAG), in a community consultation role, together with other community members.
There is no particular need or reason to give oral evidence, but if it should be considered appropriate these comments can be used, as and when necessary and in a responsible manner.
There could be much to commend these proposals, if used to improve the position and standing of the British Police service, and is inclusive to include the aspirations and opportunities for the Rank & File. Or is this to be taken, as in line with the military staff colleges, for the officer structure only?
There are many other professional/regulatory bodies, such as the the Independent Police Complaints Commission, H M Inspector of Constabulary, and Association of Chief Police Officers.
What would be the College of Policing relationships and engagement with these bodies, and indeed the colleges influence with local universities that offer opportunities for a policing degree.
Policing from its foundation is very much a locally engaged service within the community that it serves and must ultimately be directly accountable to the citizen. That includes its officers and leaders. The police officer is the “bedrock” of enforcement of English Law and “keeping the peace” who is sworn into the “Office of Constable”, and is a servant of the Crown. They in turn have the full unlimited trust of the British People, devoted to the public interest and impartial in the enforcement of law and order, a complete opposite to some of our other institutions. This is some responsibility, and in the main we consider this has been carried out.
Could there be any conflicts of interests, arising from these consultations and recommendations, and what safeguards are there to ensure that persons involved in these consultations or recommendations do not derive any commercial benefits should any of their recommendations be adopted.
It is further understood that the Association of Chief Police Officer (ACPO) have been taking an increasing role in advising the government on certain strategies, does this include the proposals under consideration. If this should be the case, are the functions of ACPO, determined by parliament.
The public, through its representation in parliament, are the owners and custodians of our policing assets, and are often poorly consulted and engaged in these matters. We should continually ask what we are hoping to achieve by changes and have these been thoroughly evaluated.
We the public, in the main are most tolerant towards our Offices of State, as in our obedience and reluctance to question authority, with our “back room” mentality and insularity and always accepting the programme. These consultations are an healthy opportunity for some form of engagement to counter these perceptions.
Comments on certain Particular Terms of Reference
1. What powers, responsibilities and resources should be given to the college of policing?
To promote and inculcate the principle of British Policing and the “Office of Constable”.
2. What lessons can be learnt from other professional bodies within the UK and from bodies in other countries?
The aim of a professional body is to maintain standards and always to be open to and seek improvement.
3. Is it possible for one institution to balance responsibilities for: representing police services; setting and upholding standards, testing & rewards?
Yes with an emphasis on the public ethos. Unlike certain others who may be considered to be aimed at self—promotion and self—interests.
4. Would it be preferable to create two separate institutions to provide delivery functions and professional representation?
These could be considered comparable within one organisation.
5. How will the professional body interact with HMIC; IPCC; and ACPO; and other institutions providing leadership and setting standards for the police forces?
There should be a clarity of understanding and responsibilities, with a code of conduct and accountability to those they represent and serve.
6. What role should the college have in recruitment and training?
Recruitment should be undertaken locally and enrolled at the college for advanced training purposes.
7. What role should the College have in recruiting non-police officer to senior roles within the police service?
As the due process stands as statute, A Chief Constable must have previously served in the Office of Constable. Surely, the function of a Staff College is to deliver people of the highest standards. Do we still have cases of the military recruiting civilians into high operational roles? Perhaps they are recruited direct to a staff college????
We could do well to reflect on this one.
8. Are police recruitment processes fair and open and how could they be improved?
Yes! compared to any other profession, but should always be on the basis of merit.
9. Is the Metropolitan Police over—represented in senior positions?
The perception is possibly yes, due to its high and historical position within the capital.
10. Are there any specific challenges facing the leaders of the Metropolitan Police Force, which the College of Policing could address?
Areas of accountability and transparency, as in all areas of political and public service.
11. Should the professional body be responsible for civilian employees?
There could be some opportunities for civilian employees through association, or in the case of PCSOs, if this post is to be maintained. Locally, we have very positive experiences from the function and service of PCSOs.
Although a police officer is one who has holds the Queens Warrant and taken the loyal oath.
12. How should the college of policing be funded?
By the State, or foreign governments, or it would become a guild, subscribed by its members.
Trust these contributions are of assistance to your enquiries and the method of delivery is acceptable. If this should not be the case please do advise.
Further written evidence submitted by David Treadwell
Apologies for the need to make this follow-up contact but, having been made aware of additional information, I may have completely misinterpreted the Term “College of Policing”, as used in this notice.
Also, this appears to be a “fait accompli” as the Home Secretary, is reported to have said, “that there will be a College of Policing, established at the end of 2012”. It is also stated that, The Terms of the College of Policing will not:
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It will however, play a vital role in training and development of police officers and police staff in the future ensuring that continue to retain the skills they need in order to fight crime and protect the public. Quote!
Therefore, how will the College of Policing, sit along side existing establishments, such as “Bramshill NPIA”, or indeed the Metropolitan Police College Hendon. Is it the intention to replace these existing colleges, or is it to become a Charted Institute or Guild?
Will it become necessary to hold a professional qualification to practice in the profession?
If it to become a professional body, and as there are no plans to require officers or staff to pay to be members of the College of Policing, and the intention is to become statutory, it will presumably become a State/Public body, responsible to parliament?
As a lay member of the community, having been invited to become engaged or consulted on policing matters, I don’t quite now understand where you expect or see this body to sit, within the wider scheme of things.
The aims are laudable, but like many initiatives emanating from parliament the realities can be lost in the fog of interpretation of intentions. What we do need is a clear appreciation of the infrastructure and routes of accountability and that functions are suitably aggregated, to reduce duplication of service.
Again apologies for the possible misinterpretation of aims, but would still trust that these comments are useful to your outcomes.
David Treadwell, Chair, Acocks Green Neighbourhood Forum
October 2012