Party of law and order?

THe Home Secretary has claimed police numbers are not a problem. As a retired police officer, I am disgusted that the Tory Party, which has always been the one of law and order, could claim this.

I understand the need for austerity, but the cuts to the police and military are compromising public safety. At a time when police are having to provide even more resources to deal with the threat of terrorism, it is madness to claim they are correctly resourced.

It is disgraceful there are 20,000 fewer officers than seven years ago, while money is wasted on toothless Police Community Support Officers. MICHAEL RADFORD,

Melksham, Wilts. A HOUSeHOlDer kills an intruder in his house at night; there is a spate of stabbings and killings among youngsters in london; and the Chief Constable of Derbyshire has said he does not wish his force to be associated with a male voice choir.

These stories show how much the police have parted from the communities they are meant to be serving. They are more interested in diversity than dealing with criminals.

TED SHORTER, Tonbridge, Kent.