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Serving the community

The police

About the police

All police forces should provide excellent service to the public, while ensuring that we all have a safe environment in which to live and work.

There are 43 police forces in England and Wales formed of more than 140,500 police officers, 14,000 volunteer special constables and 13,400 community support officers.

They are all working toward one goal: to make you safer.

The Home Office's role in policing

We work with chief police officers and police authorities (made up of local magistrates, councillors and community representatives) to manage police forces. 

A three-way system of responsibility ensures forces run smoothly:

  • we fund the police and have overall responsibility as overseer and coordinator.
  • chief police officers have responsibility for the direction and control of regional forces.
  • police authorities make sure local forces operate efficiently and effectively.

This system prevents political interference in policing and avoids giving any single organisation power over the entire police service.

All regional forces are monitored by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (new window).

Explore this section:

  • Police equality and diversity

    A police force should reflect the population it serves. This link tells you more about our diversity practices.

  • Police race relations

    The police service is constantly working to improve its race relations policies and practices. Learn more here.

  • Police complaints

    If you are unhappy with the service you have received from the police you can make a complaint. Follow this link to learn how.

See also

Internet links

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Other Home Office sites

Home Office websites