Effective policing depends upon inclusivity. If you are committed to policing by consent that stands or falls on the trust of all communities, you cannot do without it.
You'll have to, because you’ve lost it irrecoverably.
London is the world’s greatest and most diverse and globally connected city. Nine million people live here. Hundreds of languages are spoken. The scale and complexity of policing London today is unlike anything Sir Robert Peel imagined when founding the Metropolitan police. Yet, in 1829, he recognised that policing success in a democracy relies on public approval, respect and cooperation as much as on “impartial service to the law”.
We cannot be effective if large sections of society do not trust us, do not work with us, or do not see policing as a service that understands their experiences.
Well, I think some of them understand it only too well.
An inclusive workforce is not a public relations exercise.
Except when it is, and subesequntly goes badly wrong! As it did only too recently.
It makes us better at protecting victims, catching criminals and preventing crime.
We cannot police London effectively without the trust and confidence of the communities we serve.
Stop thinking of them as many disparate 'communities' then and start thinking of them - and treating them under the law - as Londoners.
By listening to people’s lived experiences and working in partnership with communities, we can build stronger relationships and greater legitimacy. This is particularly important when using police powers, including stop and search, where fairness, empathy and accountability are essential to maintaining public confidence and keeping London safe.
But it never works as intended, does it, Rowley?
