Lack of officers is a ‘fraud on public’

POLICE forces are so overstretched and underperforming that it amounts to a fraud on the public, a senior officer claims.

Everyday operations now depend on officers working long hours and their days off unpaid, and working for two forces at the same time, Chief Superintendent Gavin Thomas will say.

The criticism from Mr Thomas, president of the Police Superintendent’s Association, comes amid deepening alarm over the failure of forces to cope with crime.

Mr Thomas will tell his organisation’s conference tomorrow there are ‘genuine fears’ for the future of policing in England and Wales.

‘The delivery of routine policing functions should not be dependent on officers effectively giving their time for free by staying past their shift times or working on leave days,’ he will say. ‘That exploits police officers and defrauds the public.’

‘I would now suggest that this great service is on the verge of crisis in many areas. There is a void in the long-term strategic vision for the police service of the future.’