College working with forces to rebuild public trust

Andy Cooke said despite efforts to rebuild public trust, the police are failing to meet the public’s expectations and are letting down too many victims of crime. 

But HMICFRS did welcome work underway at the College to strengthen our vetting Code of Practice, the new National Centre for Police Leadership and additional support and training being offered to neighbourhood policing teams. 

This year’s State of Policing report provides a comprehensive assessment of the service in England and Wales. It is a welcome review of the progress policing has made in the past year and an outline of what more it must do.

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary is right to focus on the need for high quality leaders at every stage of policing. It’s why the College of Policing has delivered a new National Centre for Police Leadership which equips officers and staff, at all ranks, with the skills to set the right culture, have clear expectations, drive innovation and improve performance. It’s this approach, and working to the highest standards, that will regain the public’s trust.

The College is completely aligned with HMICFRS on the need for policing to be more efficient, use data better and reduce the demand on our frontline officers. The College’s new Centre for Productivity is already working to use data and AI to free up our officers, so they can get back into their neighbourhoods and fight crime.

The State of Policing report recognises the progress the service has made this year but crucially it also underscores the challenges it faces and the ongoing need for improvement. I’m confident the College of Policing is tackling many of the challenges through our relentless focus on enhancing leadership, delivering high standards and elevating performance.  

I know policing needs to act and deliver fast for the public but I also want to reflect on the hard working and dedicated men and women who are serving their communities every day. The report rightly highlights their ongoing bravery and commitment to keeping people safe. 

We’ll continue to work closely with all forces, HMICFRS and the NPCC so, together, we rebuild the public’s trust and confidence in us.

Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh QPM, College of Policing

• Read the State of Policing report