Home Secretary Suella Braverman has published an open letter addressed to leaders of the police for England and Wales detailing her expectations.
Braverman explained that she is ‘dismayed by the perceived deterioration of public confidence’ in the police due to ‘too many high-profile incidents’ which have shattered public trust.
Visible and responsive policing is needed to restore this trust, the letter stated, and the police must deliver the public’s priorities and treat victims with the respect ‘they deserve.’
Police must spend more time ‘actually fighting criminals’
‘This is not just about doing your day job well, it is also about victims needing to feel supported and not ignored. Unfortunately, there is a perception that the police have had to spend too much time on symbolic gestures, than actually fighting criminals,’ Braverman wrote, ‘this must change. Initiatives on diversity and inclusion should not take precedence over common sense policing.’
More also must be done to see a further reduction in crime, the Home Secretary argued, including a renewed focus on tackling neighbourhood crime and antisocial behaviour.
Government invests hundreds of millions
Addressing the six forces in His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s ‘engage’ process Braverman said: ‘I expect to see you all making the necessary improvements by working constructively with the HM Chief Inspector to bring about positive and lasting change.’
The Home Secretary outlined her commitment to ensuring ‘all forces have the necessary resources and tools to respond to the evolving profile of crime.’
As part of that commitment she is determined to deliver an additional 20,000 officers through the Police Uplift Programme and the government has committed to investing hundreds of millions in 2022-23.
This funding will ‘provide police with the tools they need to meet the technological challenges of the future.’
Braverman was appointed as Home Secretary by Prime Minister Liz Truss, after running against her in the Tory leadership race.
