In a TV debate last week, I almost fell off the chair when the Tory MP claimed hers was the party of law and order. Recorded crime has hit a 20 year high, with over 6.3 million crimes but a mere 5.6% resulting in prosecution. One of the more sickening statistics is that only 1.3%Continue reading Crime: Turn Back Time
The new Home Secretary’s been having a go at the police. She says she’ll make them attend the home of every victim of burglary. It sounds like a crowd pleaser on first hearing but, as a policeman friend of mine pointed out, even if they drop everything else, current resources suggest it would mean aboutContinue reading It’s a bit rich from Suella
The Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak – Steve McCabe MP – critiqued the Government’s forthcoming legislative agenda for failing to address the key issues affecting the West Midlands. Speaking in last Monday’s Queen’s Speech debate in the House of Commons, the Birmingham MP highlighted the absence of a number of key topics from the programme including the lack of a plan toContinue reading Birmingham MP brands Queen’s Speech a ‘Missed Opportunity’
There’s a fine line between oversight, in a democracy, and interference in operational police decisions, especially if it benefits the interests of those in power. I was surprised to hear cabinet minister Kwasi Kwarteng dismiss fraud as not being real crime. He was speaking after the UK Statistics Authority criticised the Prime Minister for claimingContinue reading It was wrong to overlook fraud
This week Parliament discussed neighbourhood policing. It took me back to my old boss Charles Clarke who, as Home Secretary in 2005, wanted to increase police numbers and lower costs by reshaping and reducing the overall number of forces. He’d received a report from Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary arguing that the existing structure wasn’tContinue reading 2-tier police force could patrol our streets and fight organised crime
There was a statement in Parliament on rape offences earlier this week. The Justice Secretary expressed sorrow at the news that in only 1.6% of rape cases is someone charged. He then toured TV studios saying it was nothing to do with him and objecting to criticism from Labour. The Ministry of Justice budget includesContinue reading Rape cases hurt by cuts
Our justice system is the latest place for coronavirus to rear its ugly head. There’s now a backlog of 54,000 cases at Crown Courts and it could be four years before those accused of crimes such as rape, violent assault and robbery come to trial. That’s a long time, ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ asContinue reading Courts crisis: What are the contingency plans?
A certain PM once argued we should be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. We are currently losing that battle while being encouraged to believe that it’s all too hard and involves difficult choices. I was surprised, while taking part in a recent research interview, to be asked what was moreContinue reading Realistic rehabilitation for offenders is a must
