Back to Blogs
Rocco Dipoppa Yx Dhne Wz3vk Unsplash (1)
Share this Article

Policing Brexit

  • Publish Date: Posted over 5 years ago
  • Author:by Mike Pollard

In just over 4 months, Britain is due to leave the European Union.

Brexit is looming on the horizon, and the question of how Brexit will affect the future of policing is a big consideration for myself as a Specialist Recruiter to Police Forces Nationwide, as I’m sure it is for all Police staff throughout Britain.

“In a nutshell, until we know what we are planning for, we cannot plan for it.” Simon Kempton, The Police Federation.

Mr Kempton, the lead for operational policing, accused the government of leaving them with “no idea” of how they will protect the British public after Brexit, following the recent unveiling of the draft withdrawal agreement.

The agreement itself, makes no mention of Europol (the law enforcement agency of the European Union) and says the UK would be no longer have access to EU tools such as the Schengen Information System (SIS II), European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS) or the European Arrest Warrant when the transition period ends.

This is expected to be December 2020.

The Home Affairs Committee chair Yvette Cooper, said ““Cross-border crime and security threats are at their highest ever level - The prime minister knows that these measures save lives, stop criminals and stop terrorists, so how can she of all people say with her head and heart that this public safety downgrade is in the national interest?”

Alongside a decrease in operational intelligence, the police also have to prepare for the fallout of Brexit itself, with the potential for protests, border disruption, and general public disorder.

However, the police’s counter-terror units did receive a boost, following Chancellor Philip Hammonds recent budget.

“We committed in 2015 to spend 30% more on counter-terrorism capabilities over the current spending review period. And today I commit an additional £160m of CT [counter-terrorism] police funding in 2019-20 to protect CT police numbers and to allow future CT police funding to be considered in the round at the spending review.”

I think we would all agree that more money for policing is a good thing.

Neil Basu, The Met Police Assistant Commissioner’s commented that “The UK CT [counter-terror] machine is running red hot”. Therefore, it could be argued that it’s good to see money being spent in the right places.

This could lead to a wealth of new opportunities, for both new and former police staff members nationwide. Whether you’re thinking of returning to policing after some time away, or if you’re thinking of joining a police force for the very first time.

The importance of countering terrorism does not necessarily need highlighting. The tragic events of the Manchester Arena bombing, and the Westminster Bridge attack show the importance of protecting the public from such atrocities.

However, some might begin to question the amount of money being spent on policing, especially given that £420 million is to be given to local councils, to help the fight against potholes…

A written note saying Happy Monday beside a freshly brewed coffee and a plate of pastries

Stay productive!

Let's get social...