The Future of Policing UK-style

Many jurisdictions are now beginning, actually revisiting, the theme of policing futures. In Ontario, the McGuinty government has made a pledge, through its Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, to host a "Future of Policing" summit in March 2012. In the United Kingdom, there has been a steady stream of insights, information and inquiry into how the future of policing may unfold.

This recent item from Rick Muir, Associate Director for Public Service Reform within the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is helpful:

http://www.ippr.org/articles/56/8366/police-futures

In essence, Muir rightly asserts that the status quo for modern policing is not capable of being sustained. The enormous police budgets will not withstand the demands of other public service areas, for instance, health care for an aging population. It is also suggested that the core services delivered by police officers may need to be examined for possible reassignment to other sectors. Muir further posits the notion that greater civilianization of the "back office" of police organizations may be warranted. Certainly, the time is upon us for the careful review, revision and even reform of police operations, management and leadership.

I'm not convinced that any form of substantial civilianization will lead to cost savings since many of those "back office" areas crying out for reassignment to competent professionals (e.g., finance, information technology, strategic planning, legal counsel, training and education, among them) should be undertaken by individuals with extensive (and expensive) graduate and post-graduate degrees and qualifications. However, when it comes to allowing for more effective redirection of fully-trained officers to front-line service delivery, this may be a good thing.

Policing, as we know from many observers in the academic world, including Professor Clifford Shearing, no longer holds the monopoly it once claimed by right. Accordingly, it is needful to re-examine the purpose and mission of public policing entities in light of our economic, social, political and structural realities.