NCJ Number
90444
Date Published
1982
Length
23 pages
Annotation
If chief constables, local police authorities, and the Home Office could be encouraged to work together in a greater spirit of cooperation to serve society as a whole, the police in England and Wales could be much more caring and efficient and as a result, silence current criticism of law enforcement.
Abstract
The article examines accountability of chief constables by reviewing the history of police in England, paying particular attention to developments between 1829 and 1960 in terms of the interaction between the police and central and local governments. Findings of a Royal commission set up in 1960 to examine functions of local police authorities and chief constables indicated the lack of chief constables' accountability. Subsequently, the Police Act established accountability procedures for police forces. Also discussed are changes in society since 1960 and arguments for and against a national police force and for and against greater local control of the police. Areas that need improvement are noted. A total of 101 footnotes are included.