Warning of ‘fundamental challenges’ facing police

POLICING IS facing “fundamental challenges” with a rise in cyber-crime and human trafficking coming as budgets are increasingly squeezed, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has said.

Labour’s Mark Burns-Williamson spoke out as he published his annual report. He said: “Policing is facing fundamental challenges from an increase in more complex and demanding crime such as cyber-crime, missing people and human trafficking, coupled with a continued lack of funding from central government.

“Against this backdrop I will continue to do my best in conjunction with the police and our partners to help keep our communities safe.”

Home Secretary Sajid Javid has pledged that policing budgets will be looked at as part of next year’s spending review. Mr Burns-Williamson also said he had boosted support for victims of crime in West Yorkshire.

He said: “We now have an expanded, more accessible service available to victims of all ages through the new victim support contract. We have established specialised victims hubs in each district of West Yorkshire as well as commissioning a live chat facility.”

However, his report reveals satisfaction in the police among victims of crime deteriorated, with people “frustrated with slow response times and not being kept informed”.