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Smith sets out 'policing pledge' Smith sets out 'policing pledge'
(19 minutes later)
A "policing pledge" outlining standards for police in England and Wales has been launched by the home secretary.A "policing pledge" outlining standards for police in England and Wales has been launched by the home secretary.
Jacqui Smith said forces would have to meet minimum targets in areas such as call-handling and dealing with victims.Jacqui Smith said forces would have to meet minimum targets in areas such as call-handling and dealing with victims.
It follows a report from the Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, who called for the service to become more "customer-focused".It follows a report from the Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, who called for the service to become more "customer-focused".
Ministers have also confirmed that the national neighbourhood policing roll-out has been completed.Ministers have also confirmed that the national neighbourhood policing roll-out has been completed.
It means teams of fully-sworn police officers and community support staff are now permanently deployed in every community.It means teams of fully-sworn police officers and community support staff are now permanently deployed in every community.
Central targets?
In his report, published in February, Sir Ronnie found that confidence in the police increased when they treated people with courtesy and gave them better information.In his report, published in February, Sir Ronnie found that confidence in the police increased when they treated people with courtesy and gave them better information.
Under the policing pledge, police will be expected to meet national standards to ensure they answer phone calls promptly, give people up-to-date details about local crimes, and improve their treatment of witnesses and victims.Under the policing pledge, police will be expected to meet national standards to ensure they answer phone calls promptly, give people up-to-date details about local crimes, and improve their treatment of witnesses and victims.
Home Office report I'm determined that every person has access to the same level of support and service when it comes to policing Gordon BrownPrime Minister
Ms Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live it would set out the expectations so people who report a crime know how the police should keep them informed about progress. Ms Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live it would set out the expectations so people who report a crime would know how the police should keep them informed about progress.
But Ms Smith denied that the new pledge would result in more central targets and paperwork for police. But she denied that the new pledge would result in more central targets and paperwork for police.
She said people would have a greater say in setting policing priorities in their communities, particularly on issues such as anti-social behaviour and drug-dealing.
HAVE YOUR SAY Police efficiency and public confidence will only increase when the government takes the police seriously Pete, LondonSend us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAY Police efficiency and public confidence will only increase when the government takes the police seriously Pete, LondonSend us your comments
She said local residents would have a greater say in setting policing priorities in their communities, particularly on issues such as anti-social behaviour and drug-dealing. Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the policing pledge marked "a new era of policing" that would "give everyone the opportunity to be involved in setting priorities in their area".
The priorities will be agreed by residents, in conjunction with their new neighbourhood policing teams. "Every community now has a visible, contactable and accountable policing team, working with local people to keep their neighbourhood safe," he said.
"I'm determined that every person has access to the same level of support and service when it comes to policing."
The priorities would be agreed by residents, in conjunction with their new neighbourhood policing teams.
Significant challenges
There are now 3,600 teams in place - consisting of 13,500 police officers and 16,000 police community support officers.There are now 3,600 teams in place - consisting of 13,500 police officers and 16,000 police community support officers.
However, Home Office research into the effectiveness of neighbourhood policing concluded that it was "too early" to reach any firm conclusions about its impact.However, Home Office research into the effectiveness of neighbourhood policing concluded that it was "too early" to reach any firm conclusions about its impact.
The study, published in February, looked at the first year of the three-year neighbourhood policing scheme, while it was still being implemented.The study, published in February, looked at the first year of the three-year neighbourhood policing scheme, while it was still being implemented.
It said forces faced significant challenges in rolling out neighbourhood policing and in making a positive impact in solving problems and establishing effective community engagement.It said forces faced significant challenges in rolling out neighbourhood policing and in making a positive impact in solving problems and establishing effective community engagement.
The report said increasing foot patrols in local areas was not enough to improve confidence in the police.The report said increasing foot patrols in local areas was not enough to improve confidence in the police.