By Gavin Mackintosh-
The College of Policing has unveiled new guidelines aimed at promoting problem-solving within the police forces of England and Wales.
This proactive approach, known as ‘problem-oriented policing,’ seeks to identify and address issues before they escalate into criminal activities or disorder.
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The guidelines, published as a resource for chief officers, are intended to foster the adoption of this approach throughout the police service.
For decades, law enforcement agencies have predominantly employed reactive measures, responding to incidents as they occur. Problem-oriented policing marks a paradigm shift, emphasizing a proactive stance where officers work to prevent problems from evolving into criminal events.
The police say that by identifying problems and seeking to solve them, they aim to create safer communities and reduce crime and disorder.
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The newly released guidelines offer a comprehensive framework for problem-oriented policing.
They provide evidence-based recommendations and practical advice on critical issues that resonate with the public, such as homicide, knife crime, reducing serious violence through a seven-step guide, and understanding communities to build trust.
Frank Pike, the College of Policing’s policing standards lead on crime prevention, emphasized the importance of these guidelines for chief officers, officers, staff, and volunteers involved in developing crime-fighting strategies.
He stated: “The guidelines support forces to use problem-solving more consistently, so it becomes embedded across the service. Problem-oriented policing, or otherwise known as problem-solving policing, has been a feature of British policing for around 40 years, and evidence shows that, when used, it is effective in tackling crime and disorder.”
The guidelines were developed through a collaborative effort involving serving officers and staff, a dedicated team from the College of Policing, subject matter experts, and academic contributions.
The aim is to create a unified approach to problem-solving within the police forces of England and Wales, ensuring that crime prevention becomes a central aspect of their mission.
One senior officer on the condition of anonymity told The Eye Of Media.Com: ‘The College of Policing’s move toward problem-oriented policing represents a crucial step in modernizing and enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies.
‘These guidelines are accessible on the College of Policing website, providing a valuable resource for police professionals striving to make a difference in their communities.
‘In a time where public safety and community well-being are paramount, problem-oriented policing offers a promising pathway to a safer and more secure future for all residents of England and Wales’.
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