Consultation launched on future of the police service

Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have launched a website to provide a platform for the public to have a say on the future of policing.

Developed in response to concerns from local residents about proposed changes to public enquiry counters, the site outlines plans to modernise public contact with the police service and encourages people to have their say by taking part in forum discussions and completing a survey about how they contact GMP now and how they want to in the future.

Councillor Paul Murphy, Chair of GMPA, said: “We recognise that face-to-face contact with the police is important to our communities, which is why the Police Authority has emphasised the need for meaningful consultation with the public and our partners before any final decisions are made. Such a fundamental shift in the way the public contact their police service needs to consider the needs and views of all our communities.

“Following discussions with GMP and listening to the concerns we’ve received so far from the public about the proposals, we have decided to extend the period of consultation around public enquiry counters so that we can carry out a full and thorough analysis of how they are currently used and consult with our communities about how they contact the police service now and how they would like to in the future.

“I want to reassure the public of Greater Manchester that we will listen to their views and concerns and consider them when developing the future delivery of policing in Greater Manchester. This is their chance to have their say and help shape the future of the police service.”

Chief Constable, Peter Fahy said: “Neighbourhood Policing remains at the heart of what we do and we want to provide you with easy access to your local officers. We will continue to provide contact locally through neighbourhood meetings and surgeries, arranging appointments and getting in touch by telephone, email or through social networks. We are committed to developing a service that can provide access to Greater Manchester Police in the most appropriate way possible and welcome your feedback.”

Visitors to the site can also have their say on proposed changes to delivery of partnership working across the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. This includes continuing to embed neighbourhood policing with communities, ensuring local officers can work more closely with Home Watch and Pub Watch groups and build more links with local communities.

The initial results from the review of public enquiry counters will be considered by the Police Authority and the Force in November 2011.

Printed copies of the consultation questionnaire can be downloaded from the website – www.policingtomorrow.co.uk – or requested from Greater Manchester Police Authority on 0161 793 3127.