§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will estimate the proportion of a police officer's time spent on administrative duties; what measures are being taken to reduce this; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will undertake a review of form filling required by the police service with a view to its reduction.
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§ Mr. Giles ShawAdministrative work in police forces is kept under review by both chief officers and Her Majesty's inspectors of constabulary. Chief officers of police are encouraged to release police officers wherever possible from duties which can be more properly and economically carried out by civilians. We are concerned to reduce the administrative load of police officers wherever possible.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many forms members of the Metropolitan police are required to fill in to order a new police car; what measures he proposes to take to reduce this number; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the ordering of a new car by the Metropolitan police requires the completion of only a single order form—often covering a number of vehicles—by a member of the chief engineer's department. No police officer is involved where an existing vehicle is being replaced. When an additional car is considered to be needed, two further forms have to be completed: an application by the officer making the request. supported by the detailed justification of the case for an increase. I do not consider that this documentation is excessive.