Crime Solicitors

Former Metropolitan Police Commission Lord Stevens has said that threats to neighbourhood policing raised in a new report are of “profound concern”.

Lord Stevens set up the Police Commission in 2011 and the Labour-report is being launched on Monday (25/11/13).

Ed Miliband is expected to say at the launch that Labour is responsible for the introduction of neighbourhood policing – and the review is setting a new direction for neighbourhood policing in the 21st century.

The report contains 37 recommendations by the Independent Police Commission to transform policing in England and Wales. It also sets minimum standards of service which the public and other stakeholders can expect to receive.

Mr Miliband will say at the launch:
“Neighbourhood policing was pioneered by Labour. It wasn't just a slogan – it was a different philosophy of policing: policing rooted in local communities; doing more than reacting to crimes by also preventing them, and working in partnership with local authorities, schools and the NHS.
"So it is of profound concern to me that the independent commission concludes that neighbourhood policing is under threat.”
Mr Miliband is expected to add that Labour does not want to see police services “becoming more remote from communities.”
Lord Stevens has said, however, that there would be no extra money for any reforms to be implemented. However, he said that savings in 2016-17 could be made by paying the lowest price available for common equipment, which the Labour party says would pay for a further 500 police officers in England and Wales.

Labour will open a consultation on the report which includes recommendations such as electronic submission of case files to courts and prosecutors, restricting the use of private firms such as G4S to save money – and a new strategy which would see cyber-crime experts joining police forces.

Labour leader Ed Miliband is also expected to say at the launch of the report:

“We recognise that after the next election, a One Nation Labour government will be seeking to improver public services in tough fiscal circumstances.

“That is why the commission is absolutely right to focus on the importance of savings and efficiencies.”

Mr Miliband will reveal that suggestions in the report could save £60 million annually for the police service by improving procurement methods.

Lord Stevens said:
“Our commission has looked at how we can change policing to keep a community-based approach, stopping what we see as the risk of beating a retreat from the beat.
"Neighbourhood policing is the golden thread that runs through it all – and is foremost in my mind to secure a service fit for the 21st century.”
The commission’s report has also revealed that since 2010, there has been an 8.3% fall in the number of frontline and beat police officers in England and Wales – the equivalent of 10,000 fewer officers.

Labour Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the Labour party had asked Lord Stevens to look at improvements which could be made to police services without incurring additional expenditure.

Accusing the Home Secretary Theresa May as regarding policing simply as crime fighting, she added:

“In fact, policing is about prevention of crime, working with communities, respect for law and order – and respect for public safety.”

Crime and Prison Law

Duncan Lewis is one of the UK‘s leading crime and prison law solicitors and can advise on any aspect of criminal law, including rights of prisoners.

Duncan Lewis crime solicitors regularly attend police stations, courts and prisons.

A Duncan Lewis crime lawyer is available 24/7 – call the Duncan Lewis Crime Helpline on 07920 077 057.