Watching us, watching you - public to be more involved in policing

Home Secretary Theresa May has published a parliamentary white paper proposing radical reforms to policing in England, including a greater emphasis on voluntary and community schemes such as Neighbourhood Watch.

The consultation paper also calls for more members of the public to volunteer as Special Constables, similar to fire reservists who help staff fire stations in some areas.

Directly-elected police commissioners and a new National Crime Agency, modelled on the FBI, to replace the Serious Organised Crime Agency also feature in the proposals.

"We want more active citizens taking part in joint patrols with the

police, looking out for their neighbours and passing on safety tips as

part of neighbourhood watch groups or as community crime fighters," says the paper, titled Policing in the 21st Century.

Shadow home secretary Alan Johnson criticised the proposals strongly in a press statement. "This is simply a cover for massive cuts to the number

of police on the beat," he said. "It is policing on the cheap."

The Home Office is now asking for public feedback on the paper, which aims to reduce bureaucracy, increase the amount of time officers can spend on the beat, and enable forces to share resources. You can read and comment on the consultation document here.

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Image: Le Korrigan