This House of Lords Library Briefing sets out how the police service in the UK is governed, including details of recent reforms. It also focuses on how the police are held accountable for their actions through systems of oversight and complaints.
Policing in the UK: Governance, Oversight and Complaints (265 KB , PDF)
Devolution has enabled different countries in the UK to take varying approaches to the organisation of policing services. As a result, the police service is divided into separate forces. There are 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales, and a national police force in Scotland (Police Scotland) and Northern Ireland (Police Service of Northern Ireland). In addition, there are four national special police forces which cover specific areas, for example the British Transport Police.
A further result of devolution is that there is no unified policy for the UK. Policing policy and funding are therefore the responsibility of: the Home Office in England and Wales; the Safer Communities Directorate in Scotland; and the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland. Several national bodies also contribute to policing policy and governance. The College of Policing is a professional body which sets standards and develop those working in policing, while the National Police Chiefs’ Council is a collaboration body that enables independent chief constables and their forces to work together to improve policing.
In respect of police accountability, all police in the UK are subject to an independent oversight body. There are four bodies which cover different geographical areas. The purpose of such bodies to ensure that the quality of policing keeps improving.
The system for complaining about police conduct is complex and governed by multiple pieces of legislation. In most cases, the police force deals with complaints made against it. However, there are bodies in each country which deal with the most serious and sensitive matters.
In recent years, several police investigations into allegations of historic child sexual abuse have led to criticism of the police complaints and oversight systems. Some of the most high-profile complaints were in relation to an investigation called Operation Midland. The investigation looked at claims by Carl Beech, which were later found to have been false. Beech was subsequently sent to prison.
Policing in the UK: Governance, Oversight and Complaints (265 KB , PDF)
Public services productivity in the UK fell sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic and is yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. The Conservative government pledged new investment in an attempt to boost the effectiveness of public services prior to the general election. The new Labour government has also placed emphasis on this issue and has indicated further measures will be set out in the forthcoming budget statement.
The Labour government has set out its short- and long-term plans to reduce the pressure on prison capacity in England and Wales. This includes releasing eligible prisoners on licence into the community after they have served 40% of their sentence and building more prisons. Organisations have highlighted the risk of prison overcrowding on prisoner wellbeing. Some charities have called for better mental health support for prisoners whilst in custody and on release.
A recent paper about UK foreign policy called for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to “modernise the working environment to set a future oriented culture”. It described the FCDO’s physical surroundings as “somewhat elitist and rooted in the past”. This briefing looks back at Lords Hansard to chart the House’s response to more radical plans in the 1960s that proposed a new foreign office building, which later formed part of a wider scheme for the redevelopment of Whitehall.
