With the economic crisis placing increasing pressure on policing budgets, neighbourhood policing is in danger of being significantly eroded. The Forum discussed whether neighbourhood policing has a future and, if so, what kind of future that might be. It considered the following questions:

• During times of austerity, are the police, and other agencies, withdrawing to their ‘core’ mission? Are the police in danger of reverting to a law enforcement and response model by default?
• Can the original vision of neighbourhood policing be sustained or renewed? If so, how?
• Are there better ways to deliver local community safety and public reassurance?
• How can resources for local policing be fairly allocated? Is it possible or desirable to develop a ‘triage’ model, prioritising need?
• How can neighbourhood officers become more effective problem solvers?
• Can neighbourhood policing (best) be done by agencies other than the police?
• What is the future of PCSOs?

An introductory presentation was given by Dr Paul Quinton from the College of Policing.