Towards a Cost-Effective Service to Police the 1990s
| Author | Peter Imbert |
| Published date | 01 October 1989 |
| Date | 01 October 1989 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/0032258X8906200402 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
SIR
PETER
IMBERT,
QPM
Commissioner
of
Policefor theMetropolis
Towards aCost-Effective Service
to Police the 1990s
There are two major issues I shall be tackling. The first is an
examinationof police response to the value-for-money debate. Iview this
as necessary for it is important for all to understand the significant steps
taken in recent years to acknowledge the issues and achieve value for
money.
The second major topic flows from the first. For in examining value
for money in a policing context, it becomes apparent that not all aspects
of policing lend themselves to the numerical measurement of results, but
that should not cloud the fact that value formoney is still being achieved.
For example, there are the grey areas where the apparent absence
of
a
particular problem is regarded as an indicator of success. There is no
greyerarea than organisedcrime. By its very nature, it shuns publicityand
defies detection. Once established in society, it can erode the economic
and moral base of that society. Continued effort and considerable
investment are needed if it is to be prevented from becoming established.
The question I shall be posing is whether the existing structure of policing
is adequate torespond to this challenge - and to those others we shall have
to face in the early 1990s - or whether a different structure is desirable
which will be both more effectiveand efficient. I shall not shrink from
being provocative, for it is my belief that unless action is taken soon, the
police service will not be able to continue to provide that high quality and
all-embracing service which we rightly expect of it.
Value-for-Money
Debate
Policing
Purpose
and
Values
This last decade has seen many changes in our society. I would not
attempt to provide aretrospect of those changes, but some of the effects
on the police service have been profound. They have stimulated a general
debate within the police communityon our structure,style and very reason
for being. It has generated apositive and dynamic feeling within the
service on which we should now capitalise.
Iperceive a strong need at the start of this next decade for a
restatement of the purpose of policing, coupled with action, to ensure that
police continue to provide the most appropriate service to the public, in a
manner which meets the expectations of that public and yet befits the
honourable traditions of the service. To that end, as Commissioner
of
the
MetropolitanPolice,I have recentl y issuedastatement of our purposeand
shared values to act as a benchmarkfor the organisation and a reaffirmation
of the basic principles of policing. It will take both time and commitment
to action before its full impact is realised, but it is a vital initial step on the
264 October 1989
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