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Former Metropolitan Chief calls for a shake up to the UK Policing

Tuesday, 26 November 2013

The former Chief of the Metropolitan Police, Lord Stevens, has called for a new body of professional standards that would allow police officers who have misbehaved to be “struck off”.

The radical overhaul is a result of the expectations that will precede the recent “plebgate” scandal involving former cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell and the expectations that at least one officer will be charged for their involvement in the scandal.

In the report, Lord Stevens also said that officers should be “chartered” like accountants in future by independent body that would uphold a new code of ethics and professional standards.

“A spate of organisational failures and scandals over recent years has badly damaged public confidence in the integrity of the police,” he said in a report. “It is vital this situation is put right.”

Lord Stevens report was commissioned by the Labour Party which detailed 37 recommendations to improve the police service and make it more efficient

The recommendations included;

Scrapping brand new Police and Crime Commissioners that were recently elected to run forces outside London.

Merging some of the 43 police forces into bigger, more efficient units. Options could include 10 regional forces.

Recruiting experts in cyber and other fields to join the police in specialised roles.

Abolishing the Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Launching a College of Policing with responsibility for “professional competence and conduct panels” and acting as “prosecution authority” for serious complaints.

More emphasis on neighbourhoods policing and guaranteed response times.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the ideas for standards and professionalism were “timely”.

“As we know, British policing at its best is the envy of the world. But when policing goes wrong it causes huge injustice, undermines confidence in policing and law and order and casts a long shadow over the vital work officers do. That’s why problems need to be dealt with fast and effectively.”

Labour leader Ed Miliband said: “This review is the first step in setting a new direction for policing in the 21st century.”