A baptism of fire

MARK Gilmore, the new chief constable of West Yorkshire, is right when he says he has a duty to ensure that a child abuse scandal like the one triggered by the late television presenter Jimmy Savile never happens again.

However, the fact that serious questions are being asked about his own force – particularly in terms of senior officers’ historical association with Savile and their presence at his “Friday Morning Club” meetings – must also be given due consideration when it comes to the culture that Mr Gilmore says should be “fundamentally re-shaped”.

Coupled with the controversy surrounding the departure of his predecessor, Sir Norman Bettison, it is clear that the newly-appointed chief constable has much work to do in terms of rebuilding public trust and confidence in his force.

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In that sense, it would be beneficial to Mr Gilmore, his officers, and the public at large if the two investigations relating to 
Sir Norman’s conduct 
were concluded at the earliest opportunity, 
while leaving no stone unturned – something that is vital if society is to have continued faith in the idea that the police are not above the law.

Adding to the challenge facing the new incumbent is the need to quickly form a positive working relationship with regional crime commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson that is conducive to effective policing.

Given the backdrop to his appointment, it is understandable that 
Mr Gilmore says he 
wishes to focus on “the here and now and move forward”. However, if his tenure is to be a successful one, past issues still haunting his force must be tackled to prevent them from overshadowing his day to day task of maintaining order and keeping the public safe.

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