College of Policing research on demand shows that policing is about far more than cutting crime

National Policing Lead for Performance Management, Chief Constable Steve Finnigan said:

“Research on police demand by the College of Policing shows that while recorded crime has reduced, demand on the police has grown in other ways as police officer numbers have decreased. 

“It shows the breadth and complexity of modern policing, which is about far more than cutting crime.  Police are spending more time on public protection activity and on complex and costly crimes, such as child sexual exploitation, taking preventative action to safeguard people, and dealing with vulnerability issues such as welfare and mental health.

“The research provides an evidence base that assists chief constables to manage their resources in austerity.  It also shows the public how we’re spending our time and encourages them to get involved in the debate about the demand on policing and other public services.  That can only be a good thing.”