Honouring Fallen Officers
Last week, I gathered with the policing community and the citizens of Cleveland to pay tribute to PC Blades and PC Clough during their funerals. Earlier this year, I also attended the funeral of PC Jess Turnbull, who tragically passed away at the young age of 19. Since this time last year, we have lost six officers, including PC Corke, PC Najeeb, and PC Chester. The emotional impact of these losses remains profound, especially for those who were close to these dedicated individuals.
It is important to acknowledge that the essential work of policing continues, even in the face of such heart-wrenching events. Officers must persist in their commitment to serve their communities amid shock and sorrow, a resilience I witnessed during my time in Cleveland.
On behalf of the government, I want to express our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication. We value and stand by every officer, now and always. In honouring the memory of those who have lost their lives in service, we must recognise their sacrifices and the commitment of every individual who strives to ensure the safety of others.
Reflections on Policing Today
Recent tragic events have underscored the importance of this responsibility, a sentiment that has been at the forefront of my mind since my appointment a year ago. I was also proud to be reappointed when Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, allowing us to continue our collaborative efforts.
In my speech here last year, I noted that I am not a police officer, and thankfully, that remains true today. My lack of firsthand experience accentuates the necessity of collaboration. The past year has offered me invaluable insights into the complexities of modern policing, particularly in the digital age, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death.
I have gained a deeper understanding of the meticulous investigations required to combat serious threats and the frustrating obstacles that hinder the police force’s effectiveness. Above all, I have come to admire the enduring bravery that defines British policing.
Gratitude for Everyday Service
My primary message to all of you—and please relay this to your teams—is one of heartfelt gratitude. Your contributions extend beyond high-profile operations and acts of extraordinary bravery; they include the often-unseen yet vital daily efforts that ensure the safety of our communities.
Few public services play such a critical role in our national life as policing, and you understand this better than anyone. As operational leaders, you are uniquely positioned to influence long-term strategies and oversee the vital work of your teams in combating crime and safeguarding the public.
Over the past year, I have made it a priority to engage with front-line teams to better understand the challenges and opportunities within the service. This ongoing dialogue aims to strengthen communication between forces and the government, and I recognise that your contributions have been essential to this process.
Progress in Addressing Knife Crime
One issue close to my heart, given my constituency, is our commitment to halving knife crime within a decade. I am pleased to report that we have made significant progress: overall knife crime has decreased by 11%, knife homicides have fallen by 26%, and hospital admissions for stabbings are down by 13%. Furthermore, we have successfully removed over 63,000 knives from our streets, contributing to safer communities.
While we have achieved much, our work is far from finished. Earlier this year, we published a comprehensive plan outlining our intentions to delve deeper into key areas, including prevention and policing strategies.
Neighbourhood policing has been a major focus of our efforts. Thanks to the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, we have successfully deployed over 3,800 officers and PCSOs into neighbourhood roles, surpassing our initial target. This initiative enhances visible policing and allows us to address the specific concerns of local communities.
Embracing Technology in Policing
Our commitment to neighbourhood policing extends beyond mere numbers. We are dedicated to re-establishing the connection between officers and their communities by assigning named, contactable officers for each neighbourhood and ensuring a guaranteed response time of 72 hours for community queries.
During my recent visit to Coventry, I had the opportunity to engage with local officers tackling antisocial behaviour and addressing community concerns. Their expertise and commitment were evident, reaffirming the value of neighbourhood policing.
Technology continues to play a vital role in our policing efforts. For instance, the use of facial recognition technology has proven effective in apprehending wanted individuals, and we are in the process of tripling the number of live facial recognition units across the country, significantly enhancing public safety.
Addressing Ongoing Challenges
Despite our progress, we are acutely aware of the challenges that persist within policing. The demand placed on officers remains a pressing concern, and I understand the complexities involved in managing this demand. I recently spoke with a constituent whose mental health issues led to her being taken into police custody, highlighting the pressing need for collaborative solutions to alleviate the pressures on our officers.
Through the Police Efficiency and Collaboration Programme, we are working to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and streamline processes. We aim to modernise outdated protocols and ensure that officers are not burdened with tasks that could be more effectively handled by other agencies, particularly in mental health scenarios.
Our investment in responsible AI technology, such as audio-visual redaction tools, has already yielded substantial time savings for officers, allowing them to focus on their core responsibilities. Additionally, I recently announced a new AI-enabled triage system for non-emergency calls, which will help manage the millions of calls received each year that may not require police intervention.
Adapting to Evolving Threats
As we navigate the complexities of modern policing, we must also recognise the risks that new technologies can pose. Criminals today are increasingly tech-savvy, engaging in activities ranging from fraud to serious violence. It is imperative that we not only keep pace with these evolving threats but also stay ahead of them. To this end, we are supporting initiatives such as PoliceAI, a national centre dedicated to the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies in policing.
Our policing environment is multifaceted and often fraught with challenges. We have witnessed distressing incidents, such as the recent spike in antisemitic violence, which demand a robust and proactive response from law enforcement agencies. We are committed to providing our Jewish communities with the safety and confidence they deserve, particularly during sensitive periods such as the High Holy Days.
Maintaining Public Order and Resources
The need for vigilance extends beyond antisemitism, as threats against British Muslims have also escalated. Recent public order incidents highlight the complexities of maintaining safety while respecting democratic rights. As we navigate these challenges, we must utilise all available resources and powers effectively.
The government has committed to increasing police funding by £2 billion since taking office, recognising the importance of providing adequate resources for our officers. We are also undertaking a comprehensive review of the police funding formula to ensure that it is fair and equitable, ultimately directing more resources to the front lines.
Our achievements and challenges are interconnected; our successes illustrate what is possible when we work collaboratively. We must continue to focus on addressing serious threats, modernising our approach, and prioritising the issues that matter most to our communities.
Reforming Policing for the Future
Policing must evolve to meet the demands of contemporary crime and public expectations. The current framework, largely dating back to the 1960s, is ill-suited to the complexities of today’s society. We need a system that is both locally responsive and nationally capable, allowing officers to work effectively within supportive structures rather than around them.
Our Police Reform White Paper outlines plans for the most significant structural changes in policing in two centuries. Central to this initiative is a commitment to strengthen local policing through empowered Local Policing Areas. We aim to establish a National Police Service to address national threats and provide consistent support to forces.
Reform is not merely a structural adjustment; it is about investing in the human resources that underpin policing. We are developing a new Police Workforce Strategy to ensure that we have the right individuals with the necessary skills in the right positions at the right times. Strong leadership is crucial, and we are actively reviewing recommendations from experts to enhance leadership standards across the service.
Commitment to Officer Support
We are also focused on improving accountability systems to bolster public and police confidence. An independent review of the police accountability system is underway, and we look forward to implementing the recommendations that emerge from this process.
As we face the challenges of today and prepare for the future, our dedication to supporting officers and their families remains unwavering. The Police Covenant is central to our reform efforts, and we are investing £2.4 million this year