‘Terror threat adding to strain on force’
THE threat of terrorism is placing “new and increasing demands” on police and can cause priorities to change quickly, says North Wales’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
Winston Roddick says the recent attacks in France showed how terrorism is adding “significantly” to the challenges and financial pressures facing police forces at a time of severe cutbacks.
Mr Roddick added that increases in child sexual exploitation offences and cyber-crime are also putting pressure on police around the country.
North Wales Police have revealed that savings of £4.3m are needed in 2014/15, and savings of £3.5m are required in 2015/16.
A recent report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary said North Wales Police is on track to achieve its required savings.
But Mr Roddick warned that fin cial planning could be blown course by events which create n and additional priorities.
He said: “This last year, we h seen significant increases in ter ist-related offences, child sex exploitation and cyber-crime. T are adding significantly to the ch lenges confronting modern polic and to the financial pressure on police service at a time when i suffering severe cutbacks.
“The recent shooting of innoc members of the public and po officers at the offices of Cha Hebdo, and the dreadful sie which followed this, are example the range of new and increas demands on our police forces how priorities can change so r idly.
“Not so long ago, we also had cold-blooded murder of a sold Lee Rigby, on the streets of London,
list of priorities for the police.