Bedfordshire Police is set to receive a significant cash boost of £167 million aimed at restoring local neighbourhood policing, as recent inspections highlighted both commendations and concerns about the force’s performance. This funding, part of a broader effort under the government's upcoming Crime and Policing Bill, will increase the police budget by 6.6 percent compared to the previous settlement for 2024-2025.
According to recent inspections conducted by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), the Bedfordshire force was recognized for its innovative approaches to crime prevention, utilizing advanced technologies including AI and chatbots to improve response efficiency. Despite these positive remarks, the HMICFRS report raised several pressing concerns, particularly about response times to emergency calls. Officers have struggled to meet the recommended 15-minute response time, largely due to a shortage of trained personnel, particularly response drivers.
The report pointed to gaps in victim support, noting how call handlers often failed to provide complete information to victims, such as crime scene preservation advice, or keep them informed about their rights. It was revealed only 59% of detective roles are adequately filled, leaving some serious investigations to less experienced officers. The report emphasized these issues impacted the rate of solved crimes, which was below the national average.
Responding to the HMICFRS report, Bedfordshire Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst defended the force's capability, stating, “When I take the content of we’re one of the five with one area to improve... actually the funding is less, I would say we’re doing a pretty good job with the resources we’ve got.” He addressed the changes made since previous inspections, highlighting shifts in methodology and focus. Rodenhurst pointed out the department's success stories, particularly concerning dedicated teams focused on high-risk offenders.
Building on these insights, the government’s strategy includes incorporating new powers for officers, such as Respect Orders, to reclaim town centres and high streets, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing community safety. Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, John Tizard, articulated the importance of engaging proactively with communities, partnering with councils, and addressing local concerns before they escalate.
The funding, described by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as potentially transformative, aims to bolster the presence of officers within local communities. She remarked, “Every neighbourhood deserves dedicated officers who know their patch, understand residents’ concerns and can tackle problems before they escalate.” The police hub introduced recently in Bedford Town Centre stands as one of the strategic initiatives underlining the aim of making policing more accessible and visible.
Cooper also stressed the need for patience, recognizing the challenges of restoring local policing will not happen overnight. Nonetheless, she noted the funding inflection point alongside the legislative changes would enrich communities, contributing to effective crime prevention efforts.
While Bedfordshire Police faces several challenges, including response times and staffing issues, the new funding is seen as a pivotal step toward addressing these problems effectively. With HMICFRS continuing to monitor the progress made under these new allowances, the focus shifts toward tangible improvements on the ground.
Meanwhile, the issue of stop and search practices was also raised, with the HMICFRS report concluding they are largely effective, urging improved oversight to prevent potentially disproportionate actions. Bedfordshire Police has indicated its willingness to tackle these challenges head-on, with Chief Constable Rodenhurst affirmatively stating, “We’ve addressed our risk and we’ve started reducing it down.” This proactive stance suggests the police are committed to adapting and improving local policing dynamics through enhanced funding and strategic innovations.