NCJ Number
212037
Journal
International Journal of Police Science and Management Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: Autumn 2005 Pages: 197-207
Date Published
2005
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This paper considers the interrelationship between three important police governing objectives in the United Kingdom: accountability, responsiveness, and independence presenting an argument defending police independence in light of contemporary developments in the United Kingdom aimed at making the police more responsive to local demands.
Abstract
Today, the problem recognized in police governance in the United Kingdom is that police independence is still noted as an important factor but without any real conviction. The contemporary focus is on involving the public in policing matters and ensuring that the police are responsive to local demands. This paper raises the concern and addresses the issue that being responsive and being accountable is not the same thing. If the United Kingdom is to successfully involve the public in policing matters more, which is a positive step in the direction of making policing more open and democratic, then it is important that this involvement is governed properly and subject to democratic accountability mechanisms. Being responsive needs to be seen as a policing strategy demanding tighter accountability procedures to ensure partisan views do not influence policing too greatly. Police independence needs to be strengthened so that the police develop an interdependent and responsive strategy of policing. This paper considers the relevance of police independence in light of the developments in police accountability mechanisms in the United Kingdom that encourage the police to be more locally responsive. It argues the need for balance in police governance between competing claims and interests. References