The Police Service
Ongoing coverage of confidence, performance variation and legitimacy challenges.
Provisional indicator only · Does not change the formal rating
Current standing
Public confidence that local police do a good job has fallen substantially since the early 2000s. Victim satisfaction and detection performance have declined; the consent model is under clear strain.
25-year trajectory
- •CSEW confidence and ‘good job’ ratings have trended down over two decades.
- •Force variation in performance remains high.
- •Legitimacy and fairness perceptions continue to be tested.
Visual comparison
The Police Service vs international peers
2000 baseline (left) vs 2026 formal (right) · Higher bar = stronger rating
Five pillars (formal assessment)
Public Trust & Respect
DeterioratingConfidence and satisfaction metrics well below early-2000s levels.
Performance & Effectiveness
DeterioratingDetection rates and victim satisfaction have declined.
Financial / Operational Sustainability
DeterioratingDemand pressures and resource constraints are material.
International Standing
StableConsent model still referenced internationally, but domestic strain is visible.
Shock Absorption & Adaptive Capacity
DeterioratingReform capacity exists but legitimacy challenges are persistent.
International peers
Formal ratings only · 2000 baseline → 2026 current · No weekly signals
| Institution | Country | 2000 | 2026 | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State police / BKA | Germany | AA– | A+ | Stable |
| National Police + Gendarmerie | France | A+ | A | Stable |
| National Police | Netherlands | AA– | A+ | Stable |
| RCMP + provincial forces | Canada | A+ | A | Stable |
| State & federal police | Australia | AA– | A+ | Stable |
| Swedish Police Authority | Sweden | A+ | A | Stable |