A digest of the November 2014 Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) PEEL assessment on police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy.
The report points out, on cyber crime: “Technology has also allowed new crimes to develop, such as hacking into computer systems to steal personal data. It has allowed old crimes to move online where the visibility and reach of the internet magnifies the impact on the victim. Modern technology is here to stay. It is already woven into our lives, and it is already woven into crime.”
Yet the inspectors quote Home Office research that businesses report to the police less than 2pc of ‘online incidents’ and fewer than 1pc of ‘unauthorised access to data’ as experienced by adult internet users is reported to police, partly, as the inspectors add, victims don’t see what police could or would do.
As for police making savings during austerity by outsourcing to the private sector, including private security firms, the inspectors say: “HMIC has seen some collaborations being strengthened, but it has seen others stall. Collaboration has become more complex and fragmented as forces and police and crime commissioners are encouraged to collaborate with a range of different local bodies.”
The HMIC gives the example of the Home Secretary Theresa May recently encouraging police and other 999 services to integrate. As the report puts it, ‘extensive collaboration is not taking place in most forces, and only a few are achieving substantial savings through it’.
As for police accountability, HMIC says that it ‘found too few forces were undertaking sufficient analysis to identify trends, risks or threats on integrity, misconduct or corruption issues’. The report did find much good to praise, for instance stating that ‘the vast majority of police officers continue to perform their duties with dedication, integrity, bravery and an unfailing commitment to public service’.
For the 243-page report in full, visit the HMIC website.
