CONFIDENTIAL
7.
escape from the Colony, and the consequent public and press outcry, which played up police incompetence and corruption, undermined our carefully prepared attempt to re-establish the image and confidence of the Police. Publication of the two Reports of the Commission of Enquiry into Godber's escape and corruption, though right and unavoidable, inevitably fed this line.
20.
Against the background of the deeply felt public need, the atmosphere built up by the campaign, and its effect on the behaviour of the public and police, were striking. But perhaps I was optimistic ever to hope for quick and lasting results in dealing with so intractable a worldwide problem, and certainly these two coincidental mis- chances broke the spell. For whatever reason the dramatic success we had aimed at has so far escaped us. Nevertheless much was achieved. Public confidence was considerably restored, relations between police and public were significantly improved, virtually all crime is now reported, and in many useful ways the public now assist the Police where formerly they turned aside.
21.
But though the rising rate of crime temporarily flattened out, it has started to rise again, and my impression is that this comparative success is beginning to run through our fingers. Certainly reduction in crime and the imperfect state of the police remain amongst my major concerns. The police are still a fine force, but are having difficulty in adapting to new circumstances. I believe the basic trouble has been that in the after-glow of its 1967 success, the Force has continued to be greatly inflenced by its para- military role in emergencies of different sorts. In this it has been and is superbly successful, and this asset must not be lost. But the sort of relationship with the public which preoccupation with this role encourages and indeed the calibre and mental qualifications of the constabulary, are not so suited to the current need which is to gain the public's confidence and protect them from crime. I have no doubt that to some extent the Force's