Senior
figures from businesses and the public sector could be appointed to run police
forces, according to a report from the Inspectorate of Constabulary.
They
could also enter at superintendent or chief superintendent level to head some
of the more than 400 Basic Command Units across England and Wales, it says.
The
report, written by former Police Service of Northern Ireland chief Ronnie
Flanagan, said schemes should be set up to "tap into the wealth of experience
and talent" in other professions.
It
is hoped such a scheme could free up police officers for frontline duties.
Under
the proposals, civilians could be used to administer roadside breath tests,
stop vehicles, operate speed cameras and work as custody officers in police
stations.
The
report said: "The future will demand that such direct recruitment is
considered beyond the police staff roles to encompass many of the operational
specialisms and managerial roles.”
