Report Finds 78 Police Leadership Probes in England and Wales, Exposing Nepotism and Bias
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 6
Report Finds 78 Police Leadership Probes in England and Wales, Exposing Nepotism and Bias
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 6
Summary
A government-backed review said leadership across 43 police forces in England and Wales is too often failing the public, with chiefs losing focus on cutting crime and service quality varying by postcode.
Seventy-eight investigations into senior police leaders have been opened since 2018, the report said, with common themes including cronyism, nepotism, corruption and abuse of position; eight chief constables or former chiefs face inquiries or disciplinary action.
Frontline confidence in leadership was strikingly low: just 13% of constables and 17% of sergeants said they worked in a well-led, well-managed organisation.
The inquiry, co-chaired by David Blunkett and Nick Herbert, said promotions and talent selection are often shaped by local leaders in ways that foster bias, and it proposed 27 reforms including a national police leadership academy.
The recommendations also call for a fast stream for future leaders and more investment in training, which now receives about £4 million in a police service costing £19 billion a year.