Written question asked by Graham Allen (Labour) on Monday, 1 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 November 2004. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 November 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what his policy is on the use of arresting officers in progressing arrests to charge; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on the use of arresting officers in progressing arrests to charge; and if he will make a statement. [196234] Ms Blears: The processing of an arrest can result in a significant amount of administrative paperwork for the arresting officer, leading to their abstraction from front line duties. We are determined to reduce unnecessary paperwork and bureaucracy in the police service. There are a number of projects under way to assist and encourage forces to release police officers from tasks where their powers and training are not required, to increase the time spent on the frontline, and specifically on patrol by police officers. As part of a range of work funded by the Workforce Modernisation Implementation Fund, Northumbria, Wiltshire and Lincolnshire police are actively piloting models utilising police staff investigators, case builders and other supporting roles. These pilots will support police officers as part of integrated criminal justice management process, following arrests being made. The processing of an arrest, and the associated functions of criminal justice units within forces, including prisoner handling, case building and investigation, are areas which can be effectively undertaken by police staff and other members of the extended police family.

Secondary information