Rupert Matthews responds to Police Leadership Report

Responding to the report published today (6 July) from the Police Leadership Commission, Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, said:

"The report's call for a fundamental overhaul of police leadership is right, but it is far from a new observation. For years, I have argued for a return to the Peelian principles and for stronger, more accountable leadership.

"I welcome the focus on developing future leaders and believe we should also recruit more expertise from outside policing to broaden the talent pool and bring fresh perspectives.

"My concern is that, while the report identifies long-standing problems, it offers few immediate solutions. Frontline officers need strong leadership, support and direction now, not after more boards and working groups have been established at a time to be decided by the very leaders affected.

"Policing needs to be fair, transparent and ethical, but also robust, respected and effective. If we are serious about rebuilding public trust, a healthy dose of common sense would help too."

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