We are in the middle of unprecedented times as we all know. So who or what do we, the public, look to in such times? I would suggest that we crave leadership. We look to those who instill a confidence that they know their business, someone who we can follow. Someone who can lead us through the problems and take us to what will hopefully be better times in the future.
If we look back over history, some such individuals stand out in this regard. These include the likes of Sir Winston Churchill during the second world war, our own Queen and, love her or loathe her, Baroness Margaret Thatcher through the Falklands conflict. In the case of the police, we look to chief constables and in Sussex we have had a number who have stood out. For example, I recall the likes of Sir George Terry, Sir Roger Birch and Sir Ken Jones all of whom I served under.
As regards Sussex Police, one would therefore think that in times such as these, Giles York would be readily to the fore, telling us what we should be doing and how his officers will be responding to the Covid-19 epidemic. Well, sadly, as has been the case for years now, he seems to be content to allow the PCC (Police and Crime Commissioner) Katy Bourne to take the lead.
This is an operational policing matter and therefore not something the PCC should be heading up. Her remit is made quite clear and is enshrined in legislation. Her job is to hold the chief constable to account on our behalf as members of the Sussex public.
Too often we see the face of Katy Bourne talking about operational policing matters which should and indeed must be the domain of Giles York and his senior officers. I can only begin to imagine what those former chief constables who I have previously referred to would think of this! They would never have allowed this to happen.
Compare this approach then to that of our neighbouring force, Kent Police. Their PCC, a Conservative (the same as Katy Bourne) named Matthew Scott, tends to operate in the background and only comes to the fore when the matter under discussion relates to the effective running of the force. On all other occasions the chief constable, Alan Pughsley or his senior officers respond. This is as it should be.
We don’t want or expect to see a politician standing up and discussing operational policing matters. To be brutally frank, what does Katy Bourne know about such matters? Has she ever worked as a police officer? Has she experienced policing on the front line? No, of course she hasn’t. Therefore, why is she always seemingly the Sussex Police key spokesperson on such matters? This is totally and utterly wrong!
The individual briefing the public on behalf of any organisation must, I would argue, have operational credibility. In times of armed conflict do we not see general or other senior officer briefing us via the media? Of course we do! Therefore, why do Sussex Police prop up Katy Bourne. You will be pleased to know that as usual I have a view as to why!
The reason, good people of Sussex, is because she is an ambitious politician. She sees every issue facing the local police as an opportunity to get herself in front of the media. There can be no other reason for her constant media portrayal. Politics, I have argued many times before, has absolutely no place in policing. Policing and its operational connotations is the responsibility of the chief constable and his/her team.
Therefore, whilst he is shortly due to retire, in the future I would expect to see Giles York and following his retirement, his successor, to step to the fore and Mrs Bourne retreat to her office which is where she should be!
Image Credits: Constituency office .
Oh dear. Is this really the time for this?
I do not suppose I’m alone in believing that elected Police and Crime Commissioner was a half hearted attempt at copying the US system of electing the local sheriff. What ever the reason, it is confusing and I see no reason to attach blame to a professional who does not want to ‘mix’ it with a political figure.
Rather than a personal attack it would be more helpful if the author suggested ways to deal with the issues he raises. Personally, I would abolish the post as being an unnecessary burden.