HMICFRS Report Reveals UK Police Chiefs Face 'Improper Pressure' from Political Figures

London – The long-standing principle of operational independence for police forces in the United Kingdom is facing renewed scrutiny, with a recent report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) highlighting concerns about political influence. The report indicates that chief officers frequently encounter what they perceive as "improper pressure or interference from significant political figures," challenging the impartiality of policing and potentially eroding public trust. This comes amidst ongoing public discourse regarding the relationship between government directives and police actions.

The concept of operational independence, which dictates that police forces should act without political interference in their day-to-day duties, has been a cornerstone of British policing. However, the HMICFRS report, focusing on impartiality and activism in policing, found that existing legislation and guidance do not adequately define the boundary between police independence and democratic accountability. This lack of clarity can lead to misunderstandings between chief constables and Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), who are responsible for local policing governance.

Concerns about political intrusion have also been raised in legal contexts. A 2017 high court judgment (R v Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire Police) questioned the traditional constabulary independence by assigning PCCs responsibility for operational policing activity. This judgment, if upheld, could allow PCCs, a majority of whom are politically affiliated, to exert political direction over operational matters. The Police Federation has consistently underscored that operational policing decisions must remain independent of political influence to maintain public confidence.

The HMICFRS has put forth 22 recommendations to address these issues, including calls for clearer definitions of impartiality and operational independence. His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Andy Cooke, emphasized the delicate balance required between the operational independence of chief constables and their democratic accountability. He noted that overt attempts to influence policing decisions, whether actual or perceived, can undermine the police's impartiality and reduce public trust. The Policing Protocol Order 2023 aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of various actors, but the debate continues regarding the practical implications of these guidelines.