Plural policing: police in partnership with other agencies

Police services can make more use of voluntary and private sector agencies.

Police increasingly need to work with other government agencies, the third sector, community organisations and the private sector. Funded by the British Academy, Dr Megan O’Neill’s research focused on how this multi-agency practice works in reality, the implications for police culture and explores key lessons for all agencies involved. Key messages include:

• More effort is needed in integrating the currently under-utilised voluntary and private sectors into multi-agency work. The practical value of community confidence and intelligence, needs to be highlighted to front-line workers.
• More opportunities for co-location with police partners should be sought for at least some of the time, to increase understanding and a common language.
• PCSOs need to be fully briefed on Neighbourhood Policing Team activity to improve services They need to be given opportunities to develop skills and to gain promotion.