Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis, says proposals to update communications and data laws are essential in ensuring police and security services have the tools to tackle the changing face of crime.
He is hopeful Staffordshire MPs will support new Parliamentary legislation following a report by the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, David Anderson QC.
It marks a turnaround in Mr Ellis’ view prior to becoming Staffordshire’s PCC. Previously he had hinted the State did not need a reinforcement of powers.
He said: “My instincts are always, and continue to be, minimising the power of the State over its citizens but as well as understanding the facts now, the landscape has changed very significantly in the last few years.
“Even in the short time since becoming PCC I’ve seen crime and the threats faced change and become more complex. The growth of online crime is epidemic in its proportions and the threat from extremism and repulsive sexual abuse of children, often in highly organised ways, are even more difficult to tackle as technology and social media dominate people’s lives and the way individuals communicate locally and across international borders.
“Policing and the law must evolve in order to meet the societal and technological changes now and in the future. Current legislation needs updating to make sure police and other agencies have the powers they need to keep people safe. But just as important is making sure that accountability is clear, rigorous and strong enough to provide the public with confidence.
“Ultimately this is a balance between personal privacy and protecting lives and the interests of our communities and country. In the online survey we undertook earlier this year 85% of respondents supported wider monitoring of communications as long as the right oversight and safeguards are in place.
“It’s not just about technology though. Critical to intelligence gathering is the relationship between local neighbourhood officers and their communities. The ‘golden thread’ that creates from street corner to national security is unique in this country and must be maintained.
“I’ve seen and learned many things in the last couple of years which make me certain beyond doubt that the relationship between privacy and the safety of people needs understanding and discussing by law makers and the wider public.
“I hope that at the end of this process there will be better regulated powers that provide the police and security services with the right tools for the job in this fast changing world.”
Staffordshire people can have their say on this and other issues now at http://www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/have-your-say/
