HMIC Inspection Methodologies
Basic Command Unit Inspections
There are over 300 basic command units (BCUs) in England and Wales and no two are alike.
An Introduction to the Process
(Scroll down to download Methodology Documents)
There are over 300 basic command units (BCUs) in England and Wales and no two are alike. They vary in size from over 1000 officers to just under 100; some serve densely populated, ethnically diverse inner cities, while others cover vast tracts of sparsely populated countryside. What they do share are some key aims and objectives, specifically to work with partner agencies in reducing crime and disorder in their areas, and to do so with integrity.
Scrutiny of police performance is shifting from aggregate force outcomes to the performance of individual BCUs, recognising that policing is essentially a locally delivered service.
The focus on performance in reducing crime and disorder is likely to be relentless. Forces and police authorities, working with local authorities and other community safety partners, will need to raise their game year after year. Indeed, the statutory regime of Best Value demands ‘continuous improvement’ and an array of sanctions exist if authorities fail to deliver this.
In trying to make sense of the variations in operational performance which exist – to differing degrees – in every force, a key ingredient is focus.
The best performers focus the efforts of their staff through timely, dynamic local briefings that are supported by a well managed intelligence system. They set targets and make sure that staff are aware of them, they communicate results and celebrate success, and they hold individuals to account for how they have used their time. Ministers have decided upon a nationwide rolling programme of BCU Inspections that focus on performance and leadership, intended to help enhance performance and spread good practice.
Aims of BCU Inspections
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Promoting effective leadership
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Disseminating good practice
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Identifying inefficiencies
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Providing pointers to enhance performance
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Strengthening the capacity for self-improvement
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Leaving behind a BCU management team that has learnt about itself and is even more committed to self-improvement.
Methodology Documents:
