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Top cop hits out at politcal meddling
THE Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police has said the increasing political control of police in the UK could be dangerous.
Sir Norman Bettison described Thursday's resignation of Sir Ian Blair from his role as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service as "a demonstration of political will" and said that will threatens to disturb the balance of power in policing.
The Chief Constable, who has been policing for 36 years and took over West Yorkshire Police in 2006, said: "One of the great strengths of the British system is the independence afforded to Chief Constables to make operational decisions within what is called the tripartite framework.
"The 3 parties involved in setting the strategy for policing are the Home Office, local Police Authority and the Chief Constable or Commissioner. I worry that we stand on the verge of upsetting that balance with dangerous consequences.
"The real threat lies in the ambition which seems to be shared by all 3 major political parties at the moment. The determination to make the police service more accountable to elected representatives. What that means is bringing the police service under greater political control.
"What I think the public want is greater 'answerability' – 'Why didn't you detect my crime?' 'Why aren't you putting more resources into visible patrolling?' 'What are you doing about gangs of youths who hang about outside the local shops every evening?' I am prepared to do anything that gives the people who pay my wages the answers to such questions. I am not prepared to set aside my professional judgement and integrity, forged over 36 years, in order to meet short-term political expediency."
Sir Norman also laid blame at the door of the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who took over as Chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority this week but said Sir Ian had lost the confidence of the authority.
"As Ian Blair made clear, if, as Chief, you lose the confidence of your Police Authority then you are a lame duck anyway."
Sir Norman's comments came as speculation arose linking him to the newly vacant post but he has rubbished the rumours.
"It is flattering to be linked with the Met job, but I have no intention of applying to be the next Commissioner. For one thing, I made a commitment to the West Yorkshire Police Authority and to my Force to lead a five year change programme. I am less than two years into that task. I am happy and fulfilled here. I intend to keep my commitment.
"Additionally, however, I think there is much to be said for remaining in a role where, for the time being at least, I am allowed to get on with the job of policing without political interference.
"The dislodging of Ian Blair is a demonstration of political will. Along this road lies danger. I am therefore staying put."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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