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Police

'Making a Difference' Reducing Police Paperwork [PDF 71KB, 20 pages] was the first joint project carried out between the unit and the Home Office.

Scope

The project focused on reducing unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy imposed on front-line within the police force, specifically relating to paperwork and forms they are required to complete. The reduction, and in some cases removal, of these burdens will allow police officers to spend more time performing their core duties, reducing crime and less time filling out forms.

Background

Early in 2000, the team visited a number of police stations to find out the effects of paperwork on front-line staff, which resulted in a number of particularly burdensome forms being identified.

Approach

Following the fieldwork, the unit carried out a telephone survey of the 43 Police Forces within England and Wales to validate these findings, obtaining the views and opinions of over 70 police officers and staff.

A series of meetings were then held between the unit and officials from the Home Office, to identify practical steps to remove bureaucratic burdens these forms caused. Some of the proposals built on initiatives that were already underway, or under consideration by the Home Office and other relevant departments.

Key Achievements

The culmination of the efforts and hard work of both front-line staff and policy officials within the Home Office and other related departments resulted in the publication of the report 'Making a Difference' Reducing Police Paperwork [PDF 71KB, 20 pages]. This outlines the actions to be taken in respect of forms used in three aspects of police work:

• Prisoner Escort Records - used when prisoners were transferred from one custodial location to another. There was to be an 80% reduction in the use of this form. It was to be entirely redesigned so that it could become efficient in use and no longer a burden when used in the remaining 20% of cases.
• Manual of Guidance [External website] (MG) - A number of forms used in the preparation, processing and submission of case files. The MoG system would be simplified by the removal of six of the forms that were currently in use and their ongoing continued review.
• Joint performance management form (TQ1) - A form used by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. A timetable was set for the group responsible for this form to review, and if necessary, revise them to reduce the administrative burden.

Next Steps

Responsibility for delivery rests with the stakeholders. The project team will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that the actions are delivered as agreed and are communicated effectively to the relevant staff.

For further enquires or information please contact the unit at psinfo@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk