Members of parliament give a day to policing

MPs will have the opportunity to see a variety of aspects of policing, from spending time with their neighbourhood policing team, seeing how day-to-day business is prioritised through daily management meetings, attending response calls and discussing policing challenges with frontline officers.

National Police Chiefs’ Council chair, chief constable Sara Thornton said, "Both police and politicians commit to act in the interest of the communities they serve. We share many of the same goals and are grappling with many of the same issues so it’s vital we work closely together. That’s why we are calling for MPs to give a day to policing in their local area this summer, meet frontline officers and be briefed on local challenges and issues.

“This feels particularly timely because this summer our officers and staff are working hard to tackle rises in violent crime and manage increases in emergency calls at a time of stretched resources and increasingly complex demand.

“Thank you to those MPs who have already signed up or have been out with their local team and I hope that many more of you will take up this opportunity.”

Police forces and MPs will be sharing their experience of the day on social media using the #GiveADayToPolicing hashtag during the parliamentary recess.

The scheme has received the support of government ministers, opposition spokespeople, and MPs from across political parties.

Minister for policing and the fire service, Nick Hurd MP said, “The police do an incredibly important job protecting our communities and whenever I visit a force, I insist on meeting frontline officers to better understand the challenges they face.

“I urge my colleagues in Westminster to show their support for Give a Day to Policing and engage with their local force so they too can gain this valuable insight into this tough but vital work.”

Shadow minister for policing and crime, Louise Haigh MP said, “Our police are on the front line in tackling so many of the problems and concerns which affect the communities we serve. Taking some time to see the amazing work they do isn’t just a good opportunity to learn about the challenges our police forces are facing, it’s a chance for MPs to learn more about the issues facing their constituents, and respond as effectively as possible in helping them. I know I couldn’t do my job without meeting forces round the country, and learning from them about what they need from us in order to succeed.”

Liberal Democrat spokesperson on home affairs, Sir Ed Davey MP added, “Give a Day to Policing is an excellent opportunity for colleagues in Westminster to meet their local police force, and to understand the challenges that front-line police officers face.

I am grateful to have had opportunities to ride-along with my local police force – in just one evening you will be impressed and humbled by the work that our police do every day.”