The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, has affirmed that police forces possess the necessary personnel to investigate every reported crime.
This pledge, encompassing the pursuit of all “reasonable lines of inquiry,” is intended to herald a return to what Braverman terms “common-sense, back-to-basics policing.”
It represents a notable shift in approach, with all police forces in England and Wales agreeing that no crime, regardless of its perceived magnitude, should be left unexamined.
Ending the Practice of Overlooking Minor Offenses
Under this new agreement, officers are directed to treat all reported crimes seriously, dispelling the notion that certain offenses, often deemed minor, can be overlooked.
Such crimes encompass a wide spectrum, including shoplifting, phone theft, car burglaries, and vandalism.
The condition for initiating an investigation rests on the presence of tangible evidence that warrants follow-up action, including CCTV footage, vehicle dashcam recordings, or phone tracking data.
Resource Allocation and Prioritization
Braverman has emphasized that the police have the resources and personnel needed to investigate all offenses without compromising more serious investigations.
She underlines that there are currently more men and women on the police frontlines than ever before, emphasizing that this policy shift is about redirecting resources toward “common-sense policing” and moving away from dismissing certain crimes as inconsequential.
Furthermore, she stresses that the government is actively working to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, ensuring that police officers can focus on their primary duties instead of being bogged down by administrative tasks.
Inspiration from Greater Manchester
This commitment draws inspiration from Greater Manchester, where Chief Constable Steve Watson initiated a similar policy in May 2021.
Under this approach, officers are obliged to investigate all reported crimes and pursue all reasonable leads.
The results have been encouraging, with the force reporting a 44 percent increase in charges in the year leading up to March.
It’s a noteworthy shift considering that police forces have faced significant job cuts due to austerity measures, making this recruitment boost all the more significant.
Government’s Broader Policy Agenda
This announcement is part of a broader “crime week” of policy announcements by the government, reflecting their commitment to addressing law enforcement and public safety.
It builds upon previous pledges, such as the commitment to respond to every home burglary, which were introduced as part of a new set of standards unveiled the previous year.
Commentary
The Home Secretary’s declaration underscores a significant shift in law enforcement policy in England and Wales.
By committing to investigate all reported crimes, regardless of their nature, the government aims to rebuild public trust in the justice system and prioritize the safety and security of communities.
However, the successful implementation of this policy will depend on resource allocation and the ability to strike a balance between addressing minor offenses and tackling more serious crimes.
The experience in Greater Manchester, where a similar approach led to increased charges, serves as a promising precedent, but challenges in terms of resource management and officer workload may emerge.
It remains to be seen how this commitment will impact the overall effectiveness and efficiency of policing in the region.
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