26 July 2010
Commenting on the HMIC report, ‘Valuing the Police: Policing in an Age of Austerity’, Chairs of the Police Authorities in the South East, at their meeting in Maidstone today, agreed a joint statement:
‘We welcome much of the content in Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector’s report, in particular his comments condemning the raft of guidance, policy and doctrine that is dumped on the police service, the complicated processes of the criminal justice system as well as his highlighting of the huge number of wide-ranging and far reaching police authority statutory duties.
‘However, we take great exception to his criticism of police authorities’ ability to deliver on the value for money agenda. The results of recent police authority inspections have shown that police authorities are performing at least at a satisfactory level. Indeed, successive assessments by the Audit Commission on resourcing have consistently shown that police authorities perform strongly on efficiency and savings and provide good value for money. We are well placed to drive forward the savings agenda and protect the interests of the communities we serve.’
Ann Barnes, Kent Police Authority Chair, said: ‘I have made my feelings known to our regional HM Inspector today and it’s high time that the Government and national agencies stopped laying blame for any perceived shortcomings in the police service at the door of police authorities. I’m proud to lead one of many high performing, low cost Police Authorities.’