Consent: the doctrine of ‘policing by consent’ has been influential, even though the police service has always had difficult relations with significant sections of society. The need for the police service to maintain public legitimacy has been a central ethical and democratic principle, and important in terms of effectiveness since the police service require the support and cooperation of the public.

Consultation: the principle that the police ought to consult with local communities has been central to the notion of policing by consent. The legislative requirement for the police to consult has been enhanced by the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act and has been a core principle of Neighbourhood Policing.

Neighbourhood Policing: the devolution of policing to the level of particular neighbourhoods (coterminous with political wards) has been an important contemporary political priority. It is intended that the establishment of Neighbourhood Policing will reinvigorate contacts between local people and police officers, enhance accountability, and improve public confidence in the police service.