University of Westminster hosts ‘Restoring the Values in Policing’ event

This event aimed to recognise the role of the police in maintaining justice, the “multiple failures” of the police and the need to change the culture and policies to produce change. Through a dedicated discussion with Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, the event explored a variety of topics including the challenges of policing in a democratic country with a diverse population, the role of policing and confidence in the Metropolitan Police (MET).

High profile cases in the media have amplified these questions, and Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe discussed some of the strategies and campaigns that are now in place to restore public confidence. She also discussed her career in the police for students considering joining the force, and held a dedicated Q&A session for questions relating to the new MET campaigns.

Overall, the event took place to explain how the police, as guardian of the law, has a privileged position in society and was fundamental to the establishment of the modern state, and it is through the police that the social contract between citizens and the modern state was formed. It is the role of the police and their unique position in society to maintaining justice which has led to the police being the most researched criminal justice agency. It is also these very mechanisms which have led to watershed moments following events which have deteriorated the very trust and confidence upon which policing rests. 

The tragic death of Sarah Everard and the increase in police abuse of power for sexual purposes have further exposed discriminatory attitudes within the police, namely misogyny. Within this content of growing critique, and the increased exacerbation of distrust of the police, the ‘Restoring the Values in Policing’ event explored wider factors which have also contributed to the difficulties faced by an organisation increasingly expected to take on wider duties of public service. Austerity has impacted every institution and it has contributed to social mobility becoming static, or in some cases being reversed.

Talking about the event, Professor Dibyesh Anand, Head of the School of Social Sciences, who chaired the event, said: “As a community of diverse students, our University has to engage with different institutions in London and beyond so that our own members have greater understanding of the societal contexts, and the external institutions have a better appreciation of amazing talent and desires of our students.” 

Louisa Rolfe, Assistant Commissioner from the Metropolitan Police, added: “It was great to have the opportunity to talk to students about my perspective on the challenges we face in policing right now, our horror at events of the last year and our determination to improve trust and confidence. It was also valuable to share some of my experiences as a woman in policing, my hopes for our future and the challenges we must address. 

“Right now, it is so important that we listen and act upon what we hear from our communities in London and young people have such a valuable contribution to make in shaping our perspective and priorities. I hope I have encouraged students to consider how they might directly influence policing through opportunities for volunteering, work experience or exploring a career with us.”    

Find out more about Westminster's School of Social Sciences.