NPCC responds to changes to crime recording

Interim Lead for the Policing Productivity Review, Alan Pughsley QPM, said:

“The Policing Productivity Review has been working closely with the Home Office, victims’ groups, and charities to reduce bureaucracy and simplify how we record crime to help refocus police efforts on preventing crime, keeping people safe and catching criminals.

“Evaluation by the review has shown that over 443,000 officer hours could be better used through a reduction in duplication, simplifying the process for cancelling crime reports when they are not substantiated.

“This work will ensure that officers can be more productive and spend more time on local priorities and activity that will give victims the service they deserve.

“We welcome the changes by Government and look forward to working closely together to ensure police time is focused on the areas that really matter to the people we serve.”

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, said:

“Police officers must be totally focused on keeping people safe and ensuring they feel safe. We want to provide the best possible policing to the public and the work of the Police Productivity Review is aimed at removing barriers and improving effectiveness.

“The review has already identified that 443,000 officer hours are spent filling in forms and dealing with unnecessary administrative tasks. These equate to the equivalent of attendance at 220,000 domestic abuse incidents, 270,000 burglaries, or almost 740,000 antisocial behaviour incidents.

“Any move to free up our frontline to serve our communities is welcome.”

Read the government's full release: 'Police given more time to focus on solving crimes and protecting public'.