The police service in England and Wales is "not good enough" and its leadership requires an "ethical reset," according to Lord Blunkett, a former Labour home secretary. His comments come ahead of the publication of a major report he co-authored, which highlights significant weaknesses in leadership, morale, and culture across the service.

The report, produced in collaboration with former Conservative policing minister Lord Herbert for the College of Policing, is set to call for a "fundamental overhaul" of police leadership. The review was commissioned to ensure the service can effectively address evolving threats and meet government targets, particularly in light of declining public confidence in policing.

Findings from the review indicate that many senior police figures are either under investigation or awaiting disciplinary outcomes. Lord Blunkett noted that eight former or serving chief constables are currently facing such scrutiny out of the 43 police forces in England and Wales. This situation, he stated, underscores the need for a "new ethical reset."

The upcoming report will detail challenges including resource scarcity, excessive administrative burdens, and officer demotivation stemming from what is described as a negative and overly risk-averse leadership culture. These factors collectively contribute to the perception that the service is underperforming.

Addressing the concept of "two-tier policing," Lord Blunkett acknowledged that a perception exists, suggesting a shift from past issues of overt racism. He stated that the report explicitly rejects "culture wars or woke" as relevant to the police's role, emphasizing that their focus must remain on their core duties.

The College of Policing commissioned the review to assess the service's ability to adapt to new challenges and fulfill its responsibilities. The inspection of police forces revealed that none were rated "outstanding" for leadership in the most recent assessments, with nearly a third requiring improvement and two deemed "inadequate."

The report is expected to recommend a comprehensive modernization of police recruitment, leadership development programs, and monitoring mechanisms. These changes are intended to address the identified shortcomings and improve the overall effectiveness and public trust in the police service.

Lord Blunkett's strong remarks signal a critical juncture for policing in England and Wales, with the forthcoming report poised to outline a path toward significant reform in leadership and organizational culture.