Clarke: "Major programme of change needed"

Home secretary Charles Clarke has outlined his vision of neighbourhood policing as part of the government's commitment to restore respect in society.

In a speech to the Police Federation's annual conference, Clarke told delegates that the "central challenge" of this Parliament was to address neighbourhood policing and crack down on the anti-social behaviour.

In the wake of a Queen's speech dominated by law and order bills, the home secretary sought to win round those who will have to enforce future legislation.

He said the police would lead a wider team of community support officers, neighbourhood wardens, special constables, voluntary groups, neighbourhood watch and faith groups in helping to beat the kind of crime and disorder which made people feel unsafe.

He said the aim was to create safer communities where criminals could not flourish.

The move follows focus group reports showing that fear of crime is one of people's major concerns.

Police lead

In a bid to head off police criticism of the use of community support officers, who have less power, Clarke stressed that they would take a leadership role.

Clarke said: "The first key issue for us is how to build and strengthen this local neighbourhood policing family.

"That is a massive challenge. To me it is the central challenge of this Parliament, because we cannot go into another general election campaign with people feeling as they are - uncertain, unsafe in certain respects, and worried about anti-social behaviour. We have to solve this problem.

"We have to work together to solve this problem.

He added: "We do need to put these two principles - the neighbourhood policing family and the police team - into effect.

"Speaking candidly if there are issues, talking properly about what has to be done, reaching agreement as appropriate, as flexibly, and as positively as possible.

"But we do need a major programme of change if we are to meet the aspirations of the people of this country.

"That is not about riding roughshod over anybody. It is about seeking a joint commitment to high quality policing in every community in the country," he added.