NEWS
stories of life-saving interventions, arrests of dangerous criminals, and community outreach used to balance the narrative, they now seem few and far between. Meanwhile, tales of misconduct, abuse of power, and other negative aspects overshadow the good work. The numbers tell the story. Over the past year, the rate of negative police stories has risen to an average of 10 per month – a significant increase from the previous year. Concurrently, positive stories have halved to just five per month.
A DISTURBING HUMAN COST The implications of this trend go beyond damaged reputations and strained police-public relations. It’s having a profound, tangible impact on the officers themselves. In the year ending March 2023, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that a staggering 10,542 police officers in England and Wales resigned from their jobs. This represents a 20% increase from the previous year. Even more tragic is the rise in the number of officers taking their own lives. According to the Police Federation of England and Wales, 12 officers died by suicide during the same period. This shocking statistic speaks volumes about the mental strain that these professionals are under.
sharing body-worn camera footage. Transparency is a two-way street – it’s
about acknowledging errors, but it’s also about showcasing triumphs and acts of valour. By releasing more of this footage, the police can foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the dedication and bravery shown by officers daily.
A WAY FORWARD: BALANCING ACCOUNTABILITY WITH EMPATHY Addressing this unsettling trend requires an approach that considers both the public’s needs and the officers’ wellbeing. Police misconduct must be held accountable to maintain public trust. However, it’s equally important to remember that the vast majority of police officers are hardworking individuals committed to serving their communities with integrity.
Acknowledging the daily challenges faced by police officers is the first step. The courage to run towards danger when others run away, the endurance to maintain law and order, even when faced with aggression and violence, and the
Media organisations have a
pivotal role to play in ensuring that they report responsibly, providing a balanced perspective on policing that acknowledges both the shortcomings and the accomplishments of the force. Similarly, police management teams must demonstrate transparent accountability while actively supporting and advocating for their officers. An environment that cultivates trust and communication will help officers feel valued and understood.
THE PUBLIC, TOO, HAS A PART TO PLAY An informed citizenry is a crucial component in this equation, and taking the time to understand the complexity of police work can pave the way for more constructive conversations and less stigmatisation.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS: AN UPHILL BUT VITAL TASK Yes, there’s an uphill task to stem the rising tide of negative narratives around UK policing.
“Transparency is a two-way street – it’s about acknowledging errors – and about showcasing triumphs and valour”
THE UNTOLD STORY: BODY-WORN CAMERA FOOTAGE One significant resource that could dramatically alter public perceptions is the widespread use of body-worn cameras by police officers.
While these devices are predominantly used as a tool for evidence-gathering and accountability, they also capture countless instances of heroism, bravery, and dedication that often go unnoticed. Regrettably, the police rarely release this body-worn camera footage to the public. This results in missed opportunities to counterbalance the prevalence of negative stories and highlight the extraordinary lengths to which officers often go to ensure public safety. Not only could this footage serve as compelling evidence of the admirable work being done by police officers, but it could offer the public a first-hand perspective of the complexities and challenges inherent in policing. Therefore, police forces must reassess their stance on
resilience to face criticism from those they vow to protect – these are qualities that need to be highlighted. Let’s strive for a balanced narrative
that scrutinises wrongdoing while also celebrating the countless acts of bravery and kindness exhibited by our law enforcement officers. We must remind ourselves that beneath the uniform and behind the badge, there’s a human being dealing with the same struggles we all face. Taking these steps towards restoring balance in the narrative may be the key to boosting morale within the force and reinstating public faith in those sworn to protect them.
It’s a challenge that demands our collective effort and understanding. But with careful attention and genuine empathy, it is one that we can undoubtedly rise to.
RESTORING A BALANCED NARRATIVE Achieving this balance calls for a concerted effort from all involved parties.
However, if we are to ensure the continued efficacy of our law enforcement, it’s a task that we must recognise. In fostering a more balanced narrative, we not only rebuild
public trust but also help safeguard the wellbeing of our police officers. It’s not an overstatement to say that their lives could depend on it.
The need for open dialogue, improved
media reporting, and effective internal support structures within law enforcement agencies has never been greater. While criticism is essential for improvement, let’s keep sight of the larger picture. We must strive to promote narratives that emphasise not just the lapses but also the dedication, sacrifice, and positive impact of the police force on our society. Together, we can weather the storm,
rewrite the narrative, and build a future where police officers feel valued, the public feels heard, and trust in law enforcement is renewed.
Let’s ensure that our conversations around policing are not just about scrutiny but also about appreciation, understanding, and mutual respect.
www.emergency-services.news 09 | POLICE | JUNE 2023
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