The police service in England and Wales is falling short of standards, with its leadership requiring an "ethical reset," according to former Labour home secretary Lord Blunkett. Speaking ahead of the release of a significant report he co-authored, Blunkett highlighted widespread weaknesses in leadership, morale, and culture across the police force.

The report, developed with former Conservative policing minister Lord Herbert for the College of Policing, is set to recommend a comprehensive modernization of recruitment, training, and oversight within the service. This review was initiated to ensure police forces can effectively address evolving threats and meet government objectives amid declining public trust.

Evidence gathered for the review indicates a notable number of senior police figures are currently under investigation or have faced disciplinary action. Lord Blunkett stated that out of the 43 police forces in England and Wales, eight former or serving chief constables are currently involved in disciplinary proceedings or awaiting outcomes, underscoring the need for an "ethical reset."

The report will detail challenges such as insufficient resources, excessive administrative burdens, and officer demotivation stemming from risk-averse leadership cultures. These factors collectively contribute to the current state of the police service, which Blunkett asserts "isn't good enough."

Recent inspection results reveal systemic issues, with none of the 43 police forces in England and Wales receiving an "outstanding" rating for leadership. Almost one-third were deemed to require improvement, and two were rated as "inadequate," reflecting a broad spectrum of performance concerns.

Lord Blunkett also addressed the controversial concept of "two-tier policing," a notion that suggests preferential treatment for ethnic minorities over white individuals. He acknowledged a "perception" of this issue, suggesting a pendulum swing from past concerns about overt racism, as highlighted by the Macpherson report, to current criticisms labeled as "woke." The report explicitly dismisses "culture wars" and "woke" ideology as irrelevant to police duties.

The review's findings are expected to prompt significant debate about the future direction of policing in England and Wales. The emphasis on an "ethical reset" suggests a need for renewed focus on integrity, accountability, and effective leadership to restore public confidence and ensure the service meets the expectations of modern society.

Questions remain about the specific actions that will be taken by the College of Policing and government bodies in response to the report's recommendations. The proposed "root and branch modernisation" implies a substantial reform agenda that will likely be closely scrutinized by the public and police personnel alike.