Smarter working could transform policing
A new model of policing in which the police service direct their resources specifically to areas that will have the biggest impact on reducing harm to communities is proposed by Sir Ronnie Flanagan in his Review of Policing report
Better management of resources, less paperwork and greater use of technology could help free up valuable police time and transform the police - giving individual officers more discretion, delivering efficiencies, and enabling police forces to focus on the specific threats to their communities.
In his report, Sir Ronnie recommends a fundamental re-evaluation of the management and deployment of police resources, a reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy, a strengthening of the partnership working between the police and other agencies and a better emphasis on local accountability.
The report estimates that between five and seven million hours a year, the equivalent of 2,500 - 3,500 police officers - could be refocused on front line duties if changes he recommends are made.
