PSA President Nick Smart has responded to today's government announcement on neighbourhood policing:
"The clear majority of the police workforce would agree that neighbourhood policing sits at the heart of our service, and is crucial to ensuring safe communities that have trust and confidence in their police force.
"We now know that the promised 13,000 additional officers will be in post by 2029, but we are yet to hear any confirmation of exactly how many will be warranted police officers. We look forward to receiving that detail.
"Until then, nothing has changed with regards to the huge financial deficit facing policing and the extensive cuts that chief constables are required to make to their budgets to realise the efficiency savings expected of them. The NPCC has recently cited a £1.3bn shortfall.
"The clear majority of the police workforce would agree that neighbourhood policing sits at the heart of our service, and is crucial to ensuring safe communities that have trust and confidence in their police force.
"We now know that the promised 13,000 additional officers will be in post by 2029, but we are yet to hear any confirmation of exactly how many will be warranted police officers. We look forward to receiving that detail.
"Until then, nothing has changed with regards to the huge financial deficit facing policing and the extensive cuts that chief constables are required to make to their budgets to realise the efficiency savings expected of them. The NPCC has recently cited a £1.3bn shortfall.
"Equally important is the plan on how to reduce police demand, which is overwhelming forces on a daily basis, and clarification on the Police Mission in 2025 and beyond. We look forward to being consulted with on these important issues.
"Every chief constable will be supportive of the plan to introduce a named officer to every community and to enhance neighbourhood patrols, that's not in question. We do need clarity however, over how forces will be expected to resource these teams, with many continually having to reduce their numbers to save money. It is essential that chief constables retain the operational independence they require to allocate resources locally according to the threat, risk and harm in their area.
"Our association will continue to offer the insight and experience of our team and our members as the government works through these proposals, including the development of the new police performance unit, to ensure that it delivers realistic outcomes for our service and the public."
The government announcement can be viewed here.
"Every chief constable will be supportive of the plan to introduce a named officer to every community and to enhance neighbourhood patrols, that's not in question. We do need clarity however, over how forces will be expected to resource these teams, with many continually having to reduce their numbers to save money. It is essential that chief constables retain the operational independence they require to allocate resources locally according to the threat, risk and harm in their area.
"Our association will continue to offer the insight and experience of our team and our members as the government works through these proposals, including the development of the new police performance unit, to ensure that it delivers realistic outcomes for our service and the public."
The government announcement can be viewed here.