Two contradictory things can be true at the same time. It is true that the findings of the independent Police Leadership Commission, which I co-chaired, are devastating in relation to the recruitment, training and development, promotion, monitoring and appraisal of the police service. Yet there is excellent policing taking place on our streets and protecting our businesses every day of the week.

In other words, there are men and women doing their duty “without fear or favour” – as Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, put it at the beginning of June. Meanwhile, the systems they work under and the processes they have to deal with are totally inadequate.

The recommendations of the commission – which also comprised my co-chair, the former Conservative policing minister and chair of the College of Policing Nick Herbert, and a range of very experienced men and women inside and outside the service – are very clear that we can put right what is wrong.

A third of police forces across England and Wales are judged by the inspectorate as “inadequate” or “requiring improvement” when it comes to leadership. Far too many at the top of the service are under investigation for wrongdoing or inappropriate behaviour.

In all areas of public or private life, the quality of leadership inevitably has a direct impact on outcome and delivery. It affects motivation........

© The Conversation