ISJ Exclusive: Shaping the future of policing in the UK

The world of policing is ever-changing – and the UK is no exception, writes Philip Ingram MBE.

As we look towards the future, several key trends are emerging that will shape the landscape of policing in the UK. These trends have implications for law enforcement agencies, policymakers and the general public. So, what are some of these key trends and what do they mean for the future of policing in the UK? 

Influences – some of the issues influencing thinking on future policing came from The Strategic Review of Policing in England and Wales, chaired by Sir Michael Barber. His findings are quite stark:

• In 2021, 53% of all crime affecting people in England and Wales was fraud and cyber-crime. Despite this, just 0.1% result in a charge or summons
• Detection rates generally have almost halved in the last seven years, falling from 17% all reported crimes resulting in a charge or summons in 2014 to just 9% today
• There was a 28% increase in mental health related incidents between 2014 and 2018 across 26 forces
• Around three million ‘investigation hours’ are dedicated to missing persons reports very year, the equivalent of 1,562 full time police officers per year or the number of police officers needed for North Yorkshire
• Between 2016 and 2020, the proportion of people saying they thought the police did a good or excellent job fell from 63% to 55%

So, looking at some of the areas that will help deal with this they include:

Technology – technology is transforming every aspect of our lives, and policing is no exception. From facial recognition software to drones, technology is increasingly being used to improve policing in the UK. As we look towards the future, we can expect to see even more technological advancements in policing.

One of the key implications of this trend is that policing will become more efficient and effective. For example, facial recognition software can help identify suspects quickly and accurately, while drones can be used to search for missing persons or gather intelligence in dangerous situations. However, there are also concerns about the potential for abuse of these technologies and the need to ensure they are used ethically and within the law.

Community policing – community policing has been a key part of policing in the UK for many years, and this trend is likely to continue. The idea behind community policing is to build strong relationships between the police and the communities they serve. This can help to reduce crime and improve public trust in the police. An implication is that police officers will need to be more visible and engaged in their communities. This will require a shift in the way that police officers are trained and deployed – they will need to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to engage with diverse communities effectively and build trust and confidence.

Diversity and inclusion – the UK is becoming increasingly diverse and this is reflected in the police force. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that the police force is fully representative of the communities it serves. This includes not only increasing the number of officers from underrepresented groups but also ensuring that they are treated fairly and equitably. This trend means that police forces will need to prioritise diversity and inclusion in their recruitment and retention strategies. They will need to work harder to attract and retain officers from diverse backgrounds and create a culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Mental health – mental health is a growing concern in society and this is reflected in policing. Police officers are often called upon to deal with people who are experiencing mental health issues and this can be challenging for both the officer and the person in crisis. As such, police officers will need to be better equipped to deal with mental health issues. This will require more training and resources to help officers understand how to recognise and respond to people in crisis. It will also require closer collaboration between police forces and mental health services to ensure that people in crisis receive the support they need.

Cyber-crime – cyber-crime is a growing threat to society and policing will need to adapt to meet this challenge. Cyber criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and this requires a corresponding increase in the sophistication of law enforcement. Police forces will need to invest in technology and training to combat cyber-crime effectively. This will require a greater understanding of the nature of cybercrime and the tools and techniques used by cybercriminals. It will also require close collaboration between police forces, government agencies and private industry to share information and develop effective strategies.

Globalisation – globalisation is transforming the world and policing is no exception. The UK is increasingly connected to the rest of the world and this has important implications for policing.  Police forces will need to be better equipped to deal with international crime. This includes not only traditional forms of international crime such as drug trafficking and human trafficking but also emerging threats such as cybercrime and terrorism. Police forces will need to work closely with international partners.

Decentralisation – decentralisation is another trend that is likely to shape the future of policing in the UK. This trend involves the devolution of power from central government to local authorities and communities. This can help to ensure that policing is more responsive to local needs and priorities. One of the key implications of this trend is that police forces will need to work more closely with local authorities and communities. This will require a greater focus on community engagement and consultation to ensure that policing priorities are aligned with local needs. It will also require a more flexible approach to policing that can respond to unique needs of different communities.

Policing as a public service – finally, there is a growing trend towards viewing policing as a public service rather than simply a law enforcement agency. This involves a broader focus on working with communities to prevent crime and improve public safety, rather than simply responding to criminal incidents.

Police forces will need to prioritise community engagement and partnership working. This will require a shift in mindset away from a purely law enforcement approach towards a more holistic approach that focuses on preventing crime and improving community safety. It will also require greater investment in community-based initiatives and programs that can help to build trust and confidence in the police.

The future of policing in the UK is likely to be shaped by a range of key trends, from technological advancements to the growing importance of community policing and diversity and inclusion. These trends have important implications for law enforcement agencies, policymakers and the general public and it will be important to respond to them effectively in order to ensure that policing in the UK remains effective, efficient and trusted by all members of the community.

This article was originally published in the March 2023 edition of International Security Journal. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.