A Policy Exchange report has raised concerns that police staff associations may be straying into political and ideological debates, potentially undermining public confidence in police impartiality. The concern follows a report by the National Association of Muslim Police that criticised Israel and questioned accounts of Hamas’s actions during the 7 October attacks; the association later removed it, saying the views were those of a former office-holder.

The report says there are more than 200 police staff networks, with limited oversight, and alleges that some have promoted controversial speakers or views. It criticises the National Police Chiefs’ Council for weakening proposed impartiality rules and calls for a new Police Impartiality Act covering forces, associations and members. Supporters say networks should focus on staff welfare, while the Muslim police association has distanced itself from the disputed report.