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Direct Communications Unit

2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF

Switchboard 020 7035 4848 Fax: 020 7035 4745 Textphone: 020 7035 4742

E-mail: [Home Office request email] Website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk

[FOI #17435 email]

Mr Mark William Baker

Reference: T15343/9

Dear Mr Baker,

Thank you for your e-mail concerning the steps that have been taken to make the police more accountable.

It is vital to promote the involvement of citizens in decisions about how they are policed and the Government is keen to promote the accountable policing. The publication of monthly crime statistics, the use of crime mapping and the regular communication of policing achievements locally have all reinforced the focus on police accountability, giving the public unprecedented access and information on police performance.

Since the publication of the 2008 Green Paper: From the Neighbourhood to the National, the Government has taken steps towards a new vision for 21^st century policing:

All 43 police forces have successfully signed up to the Policing Pledge. The Pledge is a clear deal between the public and the police, and is designed to ensure the public are aware of the minimum standard of service that they can expect to receive from the police. This has been publicised through the `Justice Seen, Justice Done' campaign.

There is now a single confidence measure for police forces and authorities to deliver improved levels of public confidence that the police and local councils are dealing with the anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter locally.

The new Policing and Crime Bill further strengthens local accountability by placing a duty on police authorities to have regard of the views of local people. Through provisions in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, HMIC started it's inspection of police authorities, and is tasked with acting as a vigorous, independent and visible champion of the public interest in doing so.

In May, the Prime Minister announced that the Government would publish a new White Paper on policing in the autumn. This was announced in the context of embedding the issue of local accountability, including ensuring that there are effective means for recourse and redress if the Policing Pledge is not being delivered. The White Paper will guarantee that accountability.

I hope you find this useful.

Yours sincerely

Usman Khan

Police Reform Unit