Watch this space: clarification
Citing JMA:
Quote:
..You have probably noticed that a similar problem has developed with the top echelons of the Brit police. The government has hired a yank policeman (I think with gang experience from LA?) as an advisor (which has pissed the Brit police brass off) and are now considering introducing the US system of electing Chief Constables (Sheriffs). Watch this space...
You are on the right track, but to clarify and before some think policing in the UK needs to learn from US policing!
For complex reasons the UK government has 'issues' with how policing is delivered and how much it costs. Before coming to power it was clear the Conservatives wanted to have in England and Wales, in each county, an elected person to oversee policing, called a Police & Crime Commissioner; which would replace the current unelected oversight body. The riots in several cities, notably London, with the perception the top echelons failed to get a grip, added to the government's resolve to push reform through.
In London the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police resigned before the riots and it was mooted that the Prime Minister would welcome Bill Bratton, ex-police chief in New York and Los Angeles applying for the vacancy. That came to nought as by a quick change the post was made UK citizens only may apply. Then it was mooted Bill Bratton would become a special adviser on gangs, that too came to nowt; just attending a conference last week.