South Yorkshire Police-led project secures funding for another year to transform way police service works
A national project run by South Yorkshire Police to transform the way the police service works has secured funding for another year.
The Problem Solving and Demand Programme, led by South Yorkshire Police on behalf of all police forces in England and Wales, has secured funding from the Home Office for another 12 months.
The programme was established in 2017 after the force was awarded £6.35 million from the Home Office’s ‘Police Transformation Fund’ to transform ways of working across the police at a local, regional and national level.
The aim is to reduce demand on police and partner agencies by embedding a problem solving ethos and capability.
Chief Constable Stephen Watson said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding to continue with aspects of the Problem Solving and Demand Reduction Programme.
“It is clear that the programme’s work has made a significant impact on policing nationally in such a short space of time, and it is encouraging to see that this has been recognised by the Home Office.
“This funding will allow the programme to refocus on certain elements that we have recognised as successes which can be built on, to support the fundamental aim of police, which is to make our communities safer.”
Since its launch, the programme has promoted and embedded problem solving within policing and its partners across England and Wales, through the creation of regional networks, practice advice and guidelines and technology developments.
It has hosted national workshops, conferences and awards to share and celebrate problem solving successes.