How much power to Govt. have over Police?
Discussion
In the news at the moment there is the whole Blunkett trying to push out the Humberside CC.
Despite the rights and wrongs of these cases, how much power does the government have in the actual running of the police force?
Can they actually force CC's to resign and can they affect the lower ranks directly?
Despite the rights and wrongs of these cases, how much power does the government have in the actual running of the police force?
Can they actually force CC's to resign and can they affect the lower ranks directly?
From what I understand they (the government that is) have pretty much ultimate power. Dont forget that the Police have pretty much zero rights as employee's - no strikes, no criminal records etc..... Althought there are unions and forums to pass things / ideas / complaints up and down the chain, lets face it there is little that a Constable, Inspector or even Chief Constable can do it they have decided something will happen.
Its a political game as the government sets the targets and guidelines for measuring performance / ability. If a CC fails to hit these then its bye-bye - and they can affect more than just one person - you could in fact make life hell for a large percentage of the Police across the country if "they" wish to....
Shame really as in the end the Police are there to provide a public service, yet are manipulated and twisted by the elected government to serve their own ends.... cynical? Me? Never....
Its a political game as the government sets the targets and guidelines for measuring performance / ability. If a CC fails to hit these then its bye-bye - and they can affect more than just one person - you could in fact make life hell for a large percentage of the Police across the country if "they" wish to....
Shame really as in the end the Police are there to provide a public service, yet are manipulated and twisted by the elected government to serve their own ends.... cynical? Me? Never....
As I understand it if the CC won't go and the Police Authority won't suspend him Blunkett will go to court and get a high court injunction requiring the Police Authority to carry out his instructions.
If they defy that presumably their own PC's will come round their houses and there will be lots of cries of "you're nicked matey" and they'll all be up on a contempt of court charge.
If this guy has been negligent the he should go. But, as in the Beverley Hughes fiasco where the civil servants initially took the blame, wouldn't it be nice to see the ultimate boss hold his hands up and walk? After you Mr Blunkett.
If they defy that presumably their own PC's will come round their houses and there will be lots of cries of "you're nicked matey" and they'll all be up on a contempt of court charge.
If this guy has been negligent the he should go. But, as in the Beverley Hughes fiasco where the civil servants initially took the blame, wouldn't it be nice to see the ultimate boss hold his hands up and walk? After you Mr Blunkett.
pbrettle said:
From what I understand they (the government that is) have pretty much ultimate power. Dont forget that the Police have pretty much zero rights as employee's - no strikes, no criminal records etc..... Althought there are unions and forums to pass things / ideas / complaints up and down the chain, lets face it there is little that a Constable, Inspector or even Chief Constable can do it they have decided something will happen.
Its a political game as the government sets the targets and guidelines for measuring performance / ability. If a CC fails to hit these then its bye-bye - and they can affect more than just one person - you could in fact make life hell for a large percentage of the Police across the country if "they" wish to....
Shame really as in the end the Police are there to provide a public service, yet are manipulated and twisted by the elected government to serve their own ends.... cynical? Me? Never....
See my other thread Paul, Blunkett already fired a shot accross the bows with Brunstrom, it had little effect.
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