Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe , pictured , called for a ‘ grown up conversation ’ about the commitment to investigating decades-old issues . Officers may be better employed tackling current threats than historic crimes and failings , Britain ’ s top policeman suggested last night . Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe called for a ‘ grown up conversation ’ about the commitment to investigating decades-old issues . The Scotland Yard boss said he will ‘ never shrink ’ from the task of bringing a ‘ bad person to justice , whoever they are , without fear or favour ’ . But he added : ‘ We have to be better at weighing up the likelihood of success against the risks that those resources might be able to prevent or mitigate in the present day. ’ Sir Bernard was speaking in London as a child sex abuse inquiry starts work investigating failings by institutions to protect children . The four-person panel will have statutory powers to compel witnesses and victims will also be able to appear as witnesses . There are concerns that forces are struggling to balance a tidal wave of historic allegations with the danger of present-day criminals . Hundreds of victims came forward in a phenomenon dubbed the ‘ Savile-effect ’ after the DJ and entertainer was exposed as a predatory paedophile after his death . In his speech , Sir Bernard also said Britain needs fewer pubs and bars in order to tackle the violence linked to binge-drinking culture . He advocated merging many constabularies to create nine super-forces in a bid to cut costs and bureaucracy . Sir Bernard said police need to be more open about how they manage the risks they face , including the £50 million spent on 42,000 missing children every year . And he said the people should protect themselves from crime in the same way people take steps to ensure they remain in good health . ‘ I believe that keeping the public safe should be just as high priority as keeping them healthy , he said . ‘ I ’ d like it to achieve the same high profile that prevention has in health over the last 20 years. ’ Investigation : Sir Bernard was speaking as a child sex abuse inquiry starts work . A four-person panel , appointed by Theresa May ( left ) will serve alongside Justice Lowell Goddard , a New Zealand judge ( right )
Officers may be better employed tackling current threats , including police chief . Sir ##ded Hogan - ward ##ens as child sexual abuse inquiry started work . Added Britain required fewer pubs in order to prevent binge - drinking violence .