Environmental Impact

The Police Authority established an Environmental Scrutiny Group to look at ways in which the organisation could improve its contribution to environmental sustainability.

“To provide the Authority with a greater understanding of the Constabulary’s progress towards environmental management and the development of an Environmental Strategy. To identify any gaps in policy or activity and make suggestions for improvement in order to add value to the work already being done”.

The Group looked at the policies and strategies that other police forces and Authorities have developed to help identify areas for improvement and have had meetings with Environmental Officers in other forces in the North West region to find out more about what they are doing.

Police officers, staff and police community support officers were invited to take part in an Environmental Awareness Survey which was set up by the Group to identify what environmental policies and practices are already in place within the Constabulary and to gather ideas for improvements. A total of 491 people took part in the survey, approximately 13% of the entire Constabulary workforce. Ideas included providing more facilities for staff to recycle, setting up printers to default print double sided, turning lights off when leaving the building, encourage staff to use alternative modes of transport to their car and switching off computer screens when away from desks. It is clear from the comments received, and indeed the significant return rate, that there is the energy and enthusiasm from staff to work in a more environmentally friendly way and help the organisation become more ‘green’.

The final report of the scrutiny group was considered by Service Improvement Panel on 9 September 2008.