Protective Services Overview

Learning Aim A: Statutory and Non-Statutory Protective Services

• Protective services are categorized as either statutory or non-statutory.
• Statutory services are required by law and funded by the government.
• Non-statutory services are not required by law but may receive government funding, or be charities or self-funded.

Uniformed Statutory Protective Services

• These services are required to maintain law and order, provide emergency assistance, and defend the country and its dependencies.
• Key examples include police, fire and rescue services (blue light), armed services (Army, RAF, Royal Navy), and custodial care (HM Prison Service).

Roles of Emergency Services

• Various acts of Parliament define the roles of emergency services, including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, the Police Act 2017, and the Police Crime, Courts and Sentencing Bill 2021.
• Key police roles include protecting life and property, maintaining public order and safety, enforcing laws, and investigating criminal activities.

Roles of Armed Services

• Every 5 years, there is a new Armed Forces Act.
• The current one took effect in 2021.
• The armed forces also have a covenant outlining their relationship with the government.

Roles of Custodial Care Services

• Legislation, primarily the Prison Act of 1952, governs custodial care services.
• These services are responsible for the punishment/rehabilitation of offenders.

Supporting Services

• Supporting services like UK Visas & Immigration, National Health Service (NHS), Ambulance service, Highways England, and Maritime and Coastguard Agency are also included within the statutory category.

Local Authorities

• The Local Government Act of 2000 established the role of local authorities.
• The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 outlines local council's role in emergency planning and recovery.
• Local authorities are responsible for services such as education, refuse collection, social services, environment protection, roads, and social housing.

National Health Service (NHS)

• Section 3(1) of the NHS Act dictates the provision of health services based on meeting the reasonable needs of the public.

Other Uniformed Non-Statutory Services

• These services support statutory services and involve organizations like the Salvation Army, St John Ambulance, Red Cross, and Mountain and Cave Rescue.
• Other non-uniformed services include utility companies, public transport, and charity organizations, which can help reinstate power after emergencies.

Learning Aim B: Forms of Government

• Democracy: Elected representatives govern, with free and fair elections, citizen participation, and respect for human rights.
• Republic: The head of state and law-making bodies are elected by the people.
• Monarchy: A single person (king or queen) holds absolute power (absolute monarchy). In constitutional monarchy, the monarch acts as head of state but with limited power.
• Communism: The state is in control of resources and business.

Learning Aim C: Funding and Accountability

• Funding: Central government funds public services through taxation (income tax, corporation tax, property tax). Local authorities receive funding via council tax. Other sources include income, donations, and legacies.
• Austerity: Policies to reduce government spending, even in protective services.
• Accountability: All service members are accountable to the government and public (including accountability for misconduct). The police and fire are overseen by the police and crime commissioner, and their overall efficiency is examined by an independent office.

Learning Aim D: Development of Legislation

• Stage 1: Policy development occurs, with public input, media attention, expert analysis, and published manifestos serving as the basis.
• Stage 2: Policy is formulated into a Bill, which can be initiated by the government, Members of Parliament, private citizens, or interest groups.
• Stage 3: The Bill is debated, passed by both houses of Parliament, and receives royal assent, becoming law.
• Important Terms: E-petitions, Green Papers, and White Papers (consultation on potential legislation).

Separation of Powers

• Power is divided into distinct branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—to prevent abuse of power.
• Executive: creates policies
• Legislative: debates and passes laws
• Judicial: applies and enforces laws.

Judicial Review

• A legal process by which a court reviews the actions of a public body, to guarantee the lawful operation of the body.

Response to Government Policy by the Public

• Ways the public can respond to government policy can include demonstrations, civil disobedience, meetings to request change, picketing, sit-ins, and petitions.