Audit firm KPMG last month welcomed the Chancellor’s announcements in the Spending Review about the need for reforms in the way that policing is delivered.
KPMG partner Rosemary Scully says that by putting the community at the heart of policing, a ‘real opportunity’ has been created to make substantial changes which could make a positive difference in police efficiency, and the way that police forces are perceived by the public.
Rosemary Scully said: "For too long the focus has been on police officer numbers as a measure of public safety, distracting attention away from the need to keep the visibility and availability of officers at the heart of reform.
"There is now an opportunity to improve core operational processes, and empower those who lead the service to transform delivery and achieve more effective and sustainable policing for the future.”
Key areas to tackle according to the company are:
. Join up public, private and third sector organisations involved in the delivery of criminal justice to reduce waste and improve outcomes for victims
. Promote better working across criminal justice sector bodies
. Harness the latent capability of frontline officers to unlock the full potential of the service
. Enhance productivity through improvements in frontline operational processes
. Optimise the recovery of assets from criminal activity
. Manage incoming demand through more effective use of Restorative Justice and other means of alternative disposal
Rosemary Scully added: "Our experience with a number of police forces shows that it is possible to achieve real efficiency gains whilst simultaneously improving the quality of service delivery. This will be challenging, but it can be done."
