A scathing review into police leadership across England and Wales has highlighted a stark disconnect between the standards expected of senior officers and the reality on the ground. The comprehensive report, published by the Police Leadership Commission after extensive consultation with thousands of officers, staff, and members of the public, paints a picture of inconsistent leadership that is failing to deliver for communities.
Matt Jukes, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, acknowledged the uncomfortable truths revealed in the report, but stressed the need for urgent improvement. He also warned that the growing tendency for police to be drawn into 'culture war' debates is a significant distraction from their core mission: upholding the law impartially and maintaining public confidence.
The commission's research has identified pockets of exceptional leadership across policing, but also revealed a fragmented approach to leader development and promotion. The report notes that the complexities of modern crime – from cybercrime to terrorism – demand a more sophisticated leadership structure than currently exists. Crucially, the quality of leadership available often depends on where you live, creating a 'postcode lottery' in standards and opportunities.
One of the most striking findings was the lack of support for frontline supervisors, with over 22,000 sergeants responsible for leading officers yet many reporting being inadequately prepared for their roles. A survey conducted as part of the review found that one in five newly promoted sergeants and inspectors had received no formal leadership training more than two years after promotion – a worrying gap in investment by forces and successive governments.
In response, the commission has put forward a raft of recommendations aimed at reforming police leadership. These include the establishment of a national academy for police leaders, enhanced development programmes for frontline supervisors, reforms to promotion processes, and the creation of a new 'fast-stream' to identify and prepare future leaders. The proposals are designed to sit alongside wider efforts to create a more coherent policing system while protecting local community policing.