Bonkers plans leave police a laughing stock
What are the police up to? Your report last week ‘Terror Bobbies On The Cheap’ detailed how volunteers are to be used to take on jihadis, prostitutes will be tasked with ‘community engagement’, dog walkers will be granted powers to interrogate anti-social behaviour suspects and – worst of all – children are already going on patrol to catch speeding motorists; the so called ‘Mini Police’ of County Durham.
Yes, I can see that forces are strapped for cash but there must be other ways to keep us safe than rolling out these laughable plans.
They could have a look at all the ridiculous cases they pursue – many politically motivated or an attempt to gain a better profile for a force or a chief constable.
When respect for the police must be at an all-time low, these bonkers schemes are not the way to regain public confidence.
J. Benn, London Articles in last week’s Mail on Sunday suggested there is a need for police forces to be more efficient. This is something that is addressed every day by every force. Over the past eight years, Government cuts have made huge inroads into the number of police officers across the country.
In Durham, for example, there are 25 per cent fewer officers than in 2010. Forces have made significant efficiency gains, for example by reducing the costs of buildings, or transferring some posts from police officers to skilled and highly trained police staff.
Innovation has also been key. Our Mini Police gain selfconfidence and life-skills many would never gain otherwise. It is only a matter of time before we see the first Mini-Police officer becoming a career police officer.
Volunteer Special Constables do a tremendous job, and in return gain skills and experiences that help them in the rest of their lives.
It is a cheap jibe to refer to initiatives such as these as cheap tricks. They are an integral part of modern policing, playing a key role in keeping our communities safe.
Ron Hogg, Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner, County Durham and Darlington Where is it all going to end? My fear is that by having all these different people enforcing the law, we may feel safer, but are we losing our freedom? There are cameras that watch our every move outside and householders receive community protection notices for doing things like feeding birds. We are living in a crazy society. Pat O’Connor, Blackpool I don’t mind if the police use unorthodox methods to keep Britain the way we want it. It shows they are thinking creatively to find solutions to the straitjacket the Government has given them. I’m all for dog walkers and cyclists gathering information. The disrespect for others and the environment that many people show is a blight on this land.
B. James, Newcastle-upon-Tyne