A Safer Neighbourhoods Team Sergeant in Croydon has spoken out about the pressures of performance meetings and how rigid targets are impacting the recognition of officers’ lifesaving actions.
The officer detailed a specific incident in which one of his team members was criticized for not arresting a suspect at the scene of a serious assault. The incident occurred near a Pupil Referral Unit in Croydon, where two students were involved in a violent altercation.
One of the youths struck the other so severely that the victim’s heart stopped. The attending officer immediately administered CPR and called for an ambulance. Assisted by an off-duty midwife, the officer successfully revived the young victim, who was later taken to the hospital and survived.
Performance Targets vs. Priorities
Despite the officer’s heroic actions, the lack of an immediate arrest drew criticism during a subsequent performance review. The suspect had fled the scene but was easily identifiable, yet the officer’s decision to prioritise saving a life over apprehending the assailant was questioned.
The sergeant attending the meeting expressed disbelief at the focus on performance metrics over human life, asking if officers were now expected to let victims die in order to meet arrest targets.
“I was accused of being flippant and was further rebuked after the meeting,” the sergeant explained. “It should also be noted that no member present at the meeting offered praise for the PC in saving a life.”
Broader Concerns About Policing Metrics
This incident sheds light on the challenges officers face balancing lifesaving duties and meeting strict performance targets. The sergeant also shared another example where he was asked to explain fluctuations in crime rates that were beyond his control, highlighting the disconnection between frontline realities and bureaucratic expectations.
Many in the policing community have raised concerns about how target-driven approaches can sometimes overlook the human and moral aspects of police work.
Public Response
The officer’s account has drawn public attention, with many praising the officer’s decision to prioritize saving the youth’s life. It has also reignited calls for reforms in the way police performance is measured, with suggestions to place greater emphasis on the quality and impact of actions rather than rigid statistics.
As debates around policing practices and priorities continue, this incident serves as a reminder of the critical, life-and-death decisions officers face daily.
