Reform police patrols for a more effective force

SIR – Given the shortage of manpower, why are police officers so often seen patrolling in pairs?

It is prudent for officers to be paired in certain places and at certain times of day, and officers in training should be teamed with an experienced colleague, but surely depleted forces would be better off deploying lone patrols wherever possible.

Having two officers on the beat separately would provide more effective observation and greater accessibility to the public. Radio communication enables an officer to call for backup when necessary.

Brian McDowell

Tavistock, Devon SIR – It is unsurprising that hairdressers are more prone to injury while doing their job than police officers (report, October 23).

That statistic might be reversed if more police were to venture from their desks, but it seems the proposed cuts are likely to lead to even fewer officers on patrol.

Fiona Wild

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire SIR – Anthony Rentoul (Letters, October 23) argues that a policeman is only a phone call away, thus negating the need for officers on the beat.

The whole point of policing is to deter, detect and detain. The emphasis is on deterrence by presence, which not only prevents crime and saves costs, but also reassures the public.

William Wilson

London SW11 SIR – Mr Rentoul asks: “Who has ever seen an officer, on routine patrol, suddenly start running?”

I well recall, as a young probationer constable, being told by my section sergeant: “Don’t run – it panics the public.”

John Pott

Bognor Regis, West Sussex