‘No compelling case to change police rank structure’

THERE is no compelling case to support sudden changes to the police rank structure, chief constables have concluded.

An eight-month examination, involving nine forces and supported by a private consultant, has found that thinning ranks should not be the primary focus of reform, after the recommendation was made in the College of Policing’s leadership review.

A paper presented to the July Chief Constables’ Council reads: “After almost eight months of reviewing the rank and grading structure… the working group has concluded that there is no current compelling case or evidence base in policing to support changes to the police rank structure.

“Throughout, we have been acutely aware that chief constables would need to be convinced of a clear rationale to agree such a significant issue as changes to the rank structure.

“It has become apparent through the review period that focusing on the issue of rank has the potential to obscure the substantial body of work ongoing in the service looking at organisational redesign and business transformation.”

It adds that a change of rank structure is still possible at some future date, but that this “should not be the driver for change”.

The paper was released following a Freedom of Information request by Cambridge-based blogger Richard Taylor, made via the What Do They Know? website.

Chief constables say there was evidence to support the idea that five different levels of hierarchy within an organisation do work best, though this does not need to be reflected in the number of ranks, PoliceOracle.Com states this month.

Chief Constable Alex Marshall, Chief Executive of the College, had told the website last year: “The hierarchy in policing can hinder the flow of information up and down the chain. Reducing it can allow people at the front end to operate without so much checking, and reduce bureaucracy.”

To find out more, go to: http://www.policeoracle.com/news/HR_personnel_and_staff_development/2016/Sep/13/-no-evidence–to-support-changes-to-rank-structure–chiefs–review-concludes_92912.html