Modern Policing Flashcards
(51 cards)
Describe the structure of police services in the UK.
The police service in the UK is divided into 48 separate police forces in England and Wales, a national police force in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and three specialist police forces: the British Transport Police, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, and the Ministry of Defence Police.
Explain the financial challenges faced by UK police forces since 2010.
Many police forces in the UK have been under financial pressure due to austerity measures implemented since 2010, which have affected their budgets and resources.
How has the HMICFRS responded to the challenges faced by police forces?
The HMICFRS has called for better collaboration between police forces at both regional and national levels to address evolving crime threats
Define operational independence in the context of UK police services
Operational independence refers to the principle that police services in the UK operate independently, with chief constables responsible for all operational matters concerning their force, free from political interference.
What is the role of chief constables in UK police forces?
Chief constables are independently responsible for all operational matters concerning their police force and are expected to make independent decisions.
Describe the governance of policing in the UK.
Policing governance varies across the UK, with the Home Office responsible for England and Wales, the safer communities directorate in Scotland, and the department of justice in Northern Ireland, leading to no unified policy for policing.
Explain the concept of the ‘Office of Constable’ in UK policing.
The ‘Office of Constable’ is a common law concept held by all police officers, which does not have a single piece of legislation defining its duties and responsibilities, emphasizing individual discretion and accountability.
What percentage of funding for UK police comes from central government?
Over 70% of funding for UK police comes from central government.
How has police spending changed from 2009/10 to 2016/17 in real terms?
From 2009/10 to 2016/17, police spending in real terms decreased by 16.2%.
What is the significance of accountability in UK policing?
While police forces have operational independence, they must remain accountable to the law, ensuring that their decisions and actions are legally justified.
Describe the training and responsibilities of police officers in the UK
Police officers receive training and guidance on the lawful and effectivie use of their powers, but they also have the discretion to make decisions and are personally responsible for those decisions
What is the impact of recent investments on police spending in the UK?
Despite recent increases in investment, police spending remains below the levels of 2009/10, indicating ongoing financial constraints.
Describe the role of police and crime commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales
PCCs oversee territorial forces, appoint chief constables, and set strategies and budgets for their police forces.
Explain the oversight role of the Mayor’s office for policing and crime (MOPAC) in London
MOPAC executes the functions of a PCC in London, led by the Deputy Mayor for policing and crime, while the Metropolitan police commissioner is appointed by the home secretary.
How does the role of PCCs differ in various parts of the UK?
In London, it is MOPAC; in the City of London, it is the City of London police authority; in Manchester, it is the Mayor of Greater Manchester; in Scotland, it is the Scottish police authority; and in Northern Ireland, it is the Northern Ireland policing board.
Define the purpose of COPS meetings.
COPS meetings allow the PCC to hold the chief constable accountable for police performance, providing a platform for public engagement through live social media events.
What challenges do PCCs face regarding public engagement?
Public understanding of and engagement with PCCs is low, raising questions about their accountability to the public.
How do PCCs approach crime that transcends local boundaries?
PCCs tend to focus on local crime issues and struggle to drive collaboration on crime threats that cross their force boundaries.
Discuss the issue of chief constable vacancies in relation to PCCs.
There are too few applicants for chief constable positions, making it difficult for PCCs to appoint the most suitable candidates.
Identify the largest police force in the UK and its responsibilities.
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is the largest police force in the UK, responsible for policing London and some national functions like counter-terrorism.
Who appoints the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police?
The commissioner of the Metropolitan Police is appointed directly by the home secretary.
What is the statutory role of a police and crime commissioner regarding the chief constable?
The PCC’s statutory role is to hold the chief constable accountable for the performance of the police force on behalf of the public.
Describe the potential future changes in the role of PCCs in areas with a combined authority.
In areas with a combined authority and a local Mayor, the role of a PCC may be transferred to the mayor in the future.
Explain the purpose of the National Crime Agency (NCA)
The NCA is responsible for leading the UK’s response to serious and organised crime, working throughout the UK in collaboration with police forces and other relevant bodies
