Take back our streets

Why > The UK has a shortage of detectives, with nearly 5,000 vacancies【source > Police Federation】. A direct entry scheme, as used in New Zealand, would help fill these gaps with specialized recruits. What Success Means > Success would mean a well-resourced detective workforce, quicker crime resolution rates, and improved public safety. It would also strengthen investigative capacity within police forces.

Why > The expenses associated with procuring police equipment increased by about 14% in 2022, largely due to escalating global supply chain challenges and inflation. This situation has sparked conversations about the necessity for standardized procurement practices among police forces to enhance efficiency and lower costs【source > Police Digital Service & Institute for Government】Establishing nationwide standards for procurement and shared services would streamline costs and improve efficiency across police forces. Sweden has a centralized police system that ensures uniform standards and reduces administrative costs. What Success Means > Success would result in cost savings, more efficient policing, and improved cross-force collaboration. It would also allow more resources to be directed toward frontline services, enhancing public safety.

Why > Fraud costs the UK economy over £137 billion annually【source > University of Portsmouth】. Additionally, Fraud has become by far the most frequently committed crime. In 2022, one in 15 adults in England and Wales were affected, with 18% of them unfortunately being targeted more than once 【source > UK Parliament】. An expanded fraud strategy, similar to the US Federal Trade Commission’s approach, would address the full range of threats. What Success Means > Success would mean fewer fraud cases, higher recovery rates, and better public trust in digital and financial security. It would also deter criminals and reduce economic losses.

Why > New data shows that in 2020/21, social services in England identified 12,720 children at risk of being criminally exploited by gangs【source > Commission on Younf Lives】. Labour aims to address the growing issue of children being exploited by gangs for criminal activities. This aims to enhance legal protections for minors and hold offenders accountable for exploiting children in various criminal activities. Similar to Canada’s laws against youth exploitation, this offence would provide a legal framework to protect vulnerable children. What Success Means > Success would result in more prosecutions of gang leaders exploiting children, better protection for at-risk youth, and reduced gang-related activities. It would also enhance child safeguarding policies.

Why > In 2023 “the number of children cautioned or sentenced in the 10 to 14 year old age group increased by 6%, whilst the number in the 15 to 17 year old ages groups decreased by 7%” 【source > Russell Webster】. Establishing the Young Futures programme with community hubs would provide young people with support and opportunities to avoid crime. Finland’s model of youth services has significantly reduced youth crime by offering tailored support. What Success Means > Success would mean lower youth crime rates, improved mental health and well-being, and better life opportunities for young people. It would also strengthen communities by providing a positive and supportive environment for youth.

Why > The police receive a call related to domestic abuse every 30 seconds. However, it is estimated that fewer than 24% of domestic abuse incidents are reported to law enforcement 【source > Refuge.org.uk】. This aims to enhance the response to domestic abuse incidents, providing immediate support and guidance to callers and ensuring that appropriate resources are deployed. What Success Means > Success would mean improved response times for domestic abuse calls, better support for victims during their initial contact with emergency services, and more effective handling of such cases by law enforcement.

Why > Baroness Newlove said “This report highlights the critical role that advocates play in supporting victims of crime. This is so important at a time when rates of victim withdrawal are at a near-all-time high and record number of cases awaiting court” 【source > Victims Commissioner】The government would implement this to ensure that victims receive consistent support and legal guidance throughout the criminal justice process, helping them navigate the system and feel empowered. What Success Means > Success would look like increased victim satisfaction with the process, higher reporting rates of crimes, improved case outcomes, and a greater sense of safety and support for victims as they pursue justice.

Why > ” Police are arresting more sexual offenders, with arrests in 2022/23 rising by 25% compared to 2019/20″ 【source > National Police Chiefs’ Council】. Specialist teams in every police force would provide focused expertise in handling sensitive cases. Countries like Sweden have specialized units for sexual offences, leading to higher prosecution rates and better victim support. What Success Means > Success would mean higher conviction rates for sexual offences, better support for victims, and increased public confidence in reporting such crimes. It would also deter potential offenders.

Why > According to new data, over 1,500 police officers have faced allegations of violent offenses against women and girls within a six-month period, yet fewer than 1% have been dismissed. In total, there were 1,483 distinct allegations made against 1,539 officers, which accounts for 0.7% of the police workforce 【source > The Guardian】. Labour’s policy to bar individuals with a history of violence against women from the police service aligns with practices in countries like Canada, where strict vetting procedures prevent such individuals from joining the force. What Success Means > Success would mean a safer, more trusted police force, reduced risks of abuse by officers, and stronger public confidence in law enforcement agencies.

Why > Knife crime in England and Wales has reached record levels, with over 45,000 offences reported in 2022【source > ONS】. Labour’s commitment to halving knife crime mirrors Scotland’s success, where a public health approach reduced knife crime by 64% over a decade. What Success Means > Success would mean a significant reduction in knife-related offences, safer communities, and reduced pressure on emergency services. It would also provide young people with more opportunities and support to avoid crime.

Why > Sentencing statistics from the Ministry of Justice indicate that in the year ending March 2023, there were just over 19,000 cautions and convictions for possessing a knife or offensive weapon. Offenders aged 10 to 17 accounted for about 18% of these cases【source > The House of Commons Library】. Banning dangerous weapons such as ninja swords, zombie blades, and machetes addresses a growing problem with violent crime and weapon proliferation. Canada has strict regulations on bladed weapons and has seen fewer incidents involving such weapons. What Success Means > Success would mean fewer dangerous weapons on the streets, reduced violent crime, and greater public safety. It would also simplify enforcement and make it easier to prosecute offences involving banned weapons.

Why > In the year ending 31 March 2023, the misconduct outcomes were determined for 971 officers who were referred to misconduct proceedings in England and Wales. Out of these, 828 officers—representing 85%—were found guilty of some form of misconduct, including gross misconduct【source > GOV.UK】. Improving professional standards and vetting would address misconduct and corruption within the police force. Norway’s police force, known for its high standards and transparency, serves as a model. What Success Means > Success would mean fewer cases of misconduct, increased public trust in the police, and a safer environment for all citizens. It would also lead to a more professional and accountable police force.

Why > Data collected by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza reveals that between 2018 and mid-2023, police performed over 3,300 strip-searches on children. The report indicated that one in 20 of these searches did not adhere to strict regulations, such as the requirement for an appropriate adult to be present. Additionally, it was found that Black children were more likely to be subjected to searches【source > BBC News】The government would implement these safeguards to protect children and young people from unnecessary or harmful strip-searches, ensuring their rights and well-being are prioritized. What Success Means > Success means fewer inappropriate strip-searches, better protection of minors, improved public trust in law enforcement, and compliance with child welfare standards.

Why > Shoplifting has increased by 21% since 2021, partly due to perceived leniency in prosecution【source > British Retail Consortium】. Creating a new offence for assaults on shopworkers would provide better protection for retail staff, similar to laws in New Zealand that enhance penalties for crimes against retail employees. What Success Means > Success would mean fewer incidents of shoplifting and violence against shopworkers, creating safer working environments. It would also demonstrate a commitment to protecting frontline workers and upholding law and order.

Why > Advocates praised in extensive new first-hand testimony, with studies showing victims with advocacy support 49% less likely to withdraw from the criminal justice process 【source > Victim Commissioner】. Strengthening the Victims’ Commissioner’s powers would ensure better advocacy for victims’ rights. In Canada, the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime plays a similar role, providing stronger support and accountability. What Success Means > Success would mean better support for victims, improved outcomes in criminal cases, and enhanced public trust in the justice system. It would also ensure victims’ voices are heard and respected.

Why > In the UK, a woman is killed by a man every three days. Domestic abuse accounts for 18% of all recorded crimes in England and Wales. In the year ending March 2022, there were 194,683 sexual offenses reported, with 70,330 of those classified as rape 【source > National Police Cheifs’ Council】. With violence against women and girls at alarming levels, Labour aims to halve such incidents within a decade. Spain’s comprehensive approach to tackling gender violence, including education, legal reforms, and support services, has significantly reduced violence against women. This plan aims to better combat the full spectrum of fraudulent activities. What Success Means > Success would mean safer communities for women, better support for victims, and a cultural shift toward zero tolerance for gender-based violence. It would also lead to better public trust in law enforcement and justice systems.

Why > Stalking, including online stalking, has been on the rise in the UK, with over 120,000 stalking incidents recorded in 2022, a significant increase over the past decade【source > ONS】. Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs), introduced in 2020, have proven effective in providing early intervention to protect victims, but there are calls for these orders to be strengthened to offer even more robust protection. Labour’s policy to enhance SPOs and grant women the right to know the identity of their online stalkers mirrors approaches in countries like Australia, where stalking laws are stringent and provide greater rights for victims to be informed and protected. What Success Means > Enhanced Protection and Safety for Women > Strengthening SPOs and giving women the right to know the identity of their stalkers would enable more proactive measures to prevent harassment and violence. Victims would have greater control over their safety and be better informed to take protective actions. Deterrence of Stalking and Online Harassment > These enhanced protections would act as a deterrent against stalking and online harassment, reducing the number of incidents and increasing public confidence in the justice system’s ability to protect them.

Why > The crime of drink spiking has become a significant concern in the UK, with more than 4,000 cases reported in 2021【source > National Police Chiefs’ Council】. Despite the rise in incidents, there is currently no specific offence for spiking, making it difficult to prosecute offenders effectively. Labour’s proposal to create a new criminal offence specifically for spiking would ensure tougher penalties and better legal tools to tackle this crime. Similar legislation in countries like Ireland has helped increase awareness, reporting, and successful prosecution of spiking offences, enhancing the protection of individuals in social settings. What Success Means > Higher Conviction Rates and Stronger Deterrence > A specific offence for spiking would provide law enforcement with a clearer framework for investigating and prosecuting these crimes, leading to higher conviction rates and acting as a deterrent. Greater Public Awareness and Prevention > The new offence would raise public awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of spiking, encouraging venues to adopt preventive measures and supporting a safer nightlife environment.

Why > Recent high-profile cases of police misconduct and failures have undermined public trust in law enforcement agencies. Labour’s policy to empower HMICFRS with new powers to intervene in failing police forces aims to ensure accountability, uphold standards, and improve public confidence. In countries like Canada, independent oversight bodies have broad powers to investigate, enforce standards, and impose reforms on underperforming police departments. What Success Means > Improved Accountability and Public Trust in Police Forces > Giving HMICFRS the authority to intervene directly in failing forces would ensure swift action against misconduct, mismanagement, or failure to meet standards. This would lead to a more accountable and transparent police service and restore public trust. Enhanced Effectiveness and Professionalism in Policing > With stronger oversight and the power to enforce reforms, police forces would be more effective in their duties, improve service quality, and adhere more closely to best practices and ethical standards.

Why > In 2018/19, 39% of individuals in England and Wales reported witnessing some form of anti-social behavior in their local area. Of this, 11% was related to alcohol. Additionally, 12% of people indicated that there is a significant or fairly significant issue with drunken or rowdy behavior in public spaces in their area 【source > Alcohol Change UK】. Respect Orders would target persistent adult offenders and issues like public drinking and drug use. Scotland’s Community Payback Orders, which require offenders to perform unpaid work, serve as a successful comparison for dealing with anti-social behavior. What Success Means > Success would mean cleaner and safer public spaces, reduced reoffending rates, and a more rehabilitative approach to addressing low-level crime. It would also foster greater respect for community standards.

Why > With police numbers declining by 20,000 since 2010, neighbourhood policing has been under-resourced【source > Home Office】. Labour’s plan to restore patrols by recruiting thousands of new officers would mirror successful community policing models in countries like the Netherlands, where visible police presence has reduced crime rates. What Success Means > Success would mean safer communities, improved public trust in the police, and reduced crime rates. It would also support proactive crime prevention and better community engagement.

Why > At the end of December 2023, there were 370,700 outstanding cases in magistrates’ courts, which was lower than the peak of around 422,000 cases in mid-2020 【source > The House of Commons Library】. Increasing the number of prosecutors would address the backlog in courts and improve access to justice. The US has implemented similar measures, allowing for a more flexible use of prosecutorial resources. What Success Means > Success would mean faster case resolutions, reduced court backlogs, and more efficient use of judicial resources. It would also lead to a more accessible and responsive justice system.

Why > Data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows that in the year ending March 2023, 41% of all homicides in England and Wales involved a knife, which translates to 244 stabbing deaths out of a total of 590 homicides 【source > Action on Armed Violence】. Referring young offenders to Youth Offending Teams for mandatory intervention plans aims to prevent reoffending. Germany’s juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, resulting in lower reoffending rates. What Success Means > Success would mean lower reoffending rates, improved life outcomes for young people, and safer communities. It would also promote a more supportive and rehabilitative approach to youth justice.

Why > In the most recent year, approximately 59,000 children were arrested for notifiable offenses. This marks a 9% increase from the year ending March 2022 and is the second consecutive year that arrests of children have risen【source > GOV.UK】. Youth workers in AandE and Pupil Referral Units would provide immediate support for at-risk young people. Scotland’s “Navigator” programme, which places mentors in emergency settings, has successfully reduced violent reoffending. What Success Means > Success would mean fewer young people involved in crime, reduced hospital admissions due to violence, and better support for vulnerable youth. It would also lead to more targeted interventions and improved outcomes.