Commentary: Mr Winsor's Statement of Purpose
| Date | 01 June 2013 |
| DOI | 10.1350/pojo.2013.86.2.622 |
| Published date | 01 June 2013 |
| Subject Matter | Commentary |
The
Police
Journal
COMMENTARY:
MR WINSOR’S STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
In his first major public speech, Tom Winsor has provided some
clear guidance regarding changes to the police service which can
be expected under his watch. In a lengthy and detailed presenta-
tion, the new civilian HMCIC has outlined what he considers to
be the basic priorities for policing for the future. One central
feature identified is a recognition of the changing role of the
Inspectorate itself. Thus Winsor notes early on that 14 new Chief
Constables have very recently been appointed via a process in
which HMIC ‘has played no part’ (Winsor, 2013: 2). He adds
that the role of the Inspectorate in the appointment of Chief
Constables has been abolished and that HMIC now plays no
formal role in these appointments.
Nor is it his intention to do so, as circumventing a demo-
cratic decision made by Parliament would be both ‘improper and
unlawful’ (Winsor, 2013: 7). The strict application of this new
approach to appointments provides some guidance as to what
police services might in future expect from the Inspectorate. It
presents a remarkable change from the role adopted by previous
HMCICs, where intrusive checks of shortlists for chief officer
appointments appeared to be an everyday occurrence and which,
in effect, fatally undermined any local democratic legitimacy to
the ostensible appointing body, the Police Authority. For the first
time in decades, applicants to chief officer posts will not be
subject to covert control and possible removal from shortlists if
they do not find favour with HMCIC.
But this is not the only change to the role of HMIC. Recent
legislation has significantly increased its own independence from
Ministers. Now HMIC reports to Parliament and not to Min-
isters, and, while an annual report to the Home Secretary will be
mandatory, this reform can be expected to significantly enhance
the role of the Inspectorate as it develops in future. Some
indication of where that might take HMIC is reflected in the
The Police Journal, Volume 86 (2013) 97
DOI: 10.1350/pojo.2013.86.2.622
To continue reading
Request your trial