NCJ Number
76084
Date Published
1979
Length
61 pages
Annotation
According to this paper, police service in England and Wales should be centralized because decentralization causes such problems as technical ineffficiency and lack of coordination.
Abstract
The paper shows that centralization is almost established by pointing out the wide range of standard services and procedures, as well as laws, which have created within the police an identity as a cohesive unit. A review of the status of chief constables points out that the adoption of standard operating procedures, such as are used in the fire service, would limit the autonomy of chief constables' right to independent policy within their own force area. Their resistance, therefore, is the main stumbling block to centralization. Advantages to be gained by belonging to a larger unit, particularly in the field of equipment and administration are shown. One of the most common arguments against centralization, that of the benefits to be gained by local policing, is explored. It is pointed out that the nostalgia upon which such arguments are based is mythical, since police officers do not necessarily remain in the same area for very long. The hope that British compromise can ensure sufficient checks and balances to enable to police to modernize themselves both in equipment and in outlook is expressed. Notes and about 20 references are included. Statistical data are appended, along with a map.