§ Lord Gainfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to defind the core duties of the police service.
Earl FerrersMy right honourable friend has asked for a review of policing duties to be undertaken in consultation with the police service and police authority representatives. My right honourable friend shares the concern of the police service that the extent of the burdens being placed on them needs examination. My right honourable friend has made it clear that he wants to see a police service freed from non-essential tasks so that officers may have the time to concentrate on the tasks which really matter to the public. My right honourable friend will want to listen very carefully to what the police have to say about the extent of the work they are asked to carry out, and how it might be organised differently.
My right honourable friend expects to receive a report on this exercise in the autumn. My right honourable friend will consider the impact of any changes proposed on operational efficiency and the quality of service that the police offer the community. My right honourable friend will also wish to consider
32WAhow best to consult the public if any changes are proposed that would affect the police interface with the public.