“The police are the public and the public are the police”

Police forces nationally have come under greater scrutiny than ever before. Following some high profile cases in policing nationally, confidence in policing fell to an all-time low, and we simply must commit to rebuilding the public’s trust. This is one of the primary drivers for establishing our Perceptions of Crime Survey.  By working in partnership with Safer Gloucestershire, we aim to gain greater insight and understanding into community perceptions of Gloucestershire Constabulary and identify areas for improvement.

From the financial year 25/26 we will look at other methods of measuring external trust and confidence by collaborating with the Constabulary to formulate a robust and representative methodology for capturing public voice. 

As well as public confidence in policing being at an all-time low, I realised that the aforementioned events also had a significant impact on trust, confidence and wellbeing of officers and staff within the Constabulary. In order to re-build internal confidence in the Constabulary, I will conduct an annual staff survey which will inform my processes in holding the Chief Constable to account.

In July 2024, the Home Secretary remarked that confidence in policing is a ‘fundamental priority’ for all and for democracy.  I share her assessment and will therefore do all that I can to improve confidence in and within Gloucestershire Constabulary. We will do this by continuing our journey of improvement and ensuring excellence in the basics throughout. 

The Force is acting within the current financial climate and national financial pressures are reflected locally. Our full revenue budget has been published alongside the medium term financial plan. The Government’s grant funding for Gloucestershire Police means the Home Office will contribute £88m, just over half of the Constabulary’s £168m annual budget for 2025. Gloucestershire Constabulary’s budget is already under pressure from inflation, increased demands, rising costs and interest rates, resulting in the need to make savings of around £12.3m in the next financial year.