Dorset public wants to see more police on the beat (From Bournemouth Echo)

Dorset public wants to see more police on the beat

8:00am Wednesday 21st July 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(19)

NEWS that only one in 10 police officers is available to the public at any one time comes as little surprise to the British public.

They have become accustomed to the paperwork, antiquated shift patterns and red tape which leave many areas without regular patrols.

But warnings that officer numbers could be slashed when budget cuts hit the Home Office seem to have stretched their patience a little too far.

In Dorset, members of the public are making it very clear what they want to see – more police on the beat.

A report released by Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Denis O’Connor warned that the ability of police forces to combat crime could be seriously affected when cuts are made.

He said a “total redesign” of how officers work is essential to ensure police officers are available to the public when they are needed.

And shoppers in Boscombe agreed and said more must be done to make sure officers are more visible to the public.

David Coxshall, 69, from Boscombe said he and his wife often feel intimidated by groups of young people in the area and added: “I would feel more confident if there were more police around. “I don’t think there should be any cuts to the police service because there are not enough officers now. I know it sounds silly but cycling is banned in the pedestrian area of Boscombe but there is no one to enforce it. We have nearly been hit on several occasions.”

Neil Cann, 49, from Kinson said: “I never see police on patrol where I live. I think there are a lot of old people who are very nervous and feel they are not being looked after.”

Susan Miles, 59, from Boscombe said she believes officers spend too much time dealing with drunks in Bournemouth town centre at weekends and added: “Perhaps if the pubs and clubs paid for more officers there would be some available in other areas.”

And Debbie Gardner, 43, from Pokesdown, said: “We need as many officers on the beat as we can get. I would like to see Dorset Police come up with other ways of saving money.”

Joseph Rushford, 86, retired from Bournemouth, said: “All police need to be kept. They are all doing a really good job so I think the more police the better, to keep tabs on criminals.”

Alison Vivian, 46, unemployed from Charminster, said: “The police need to look at ways to cut back on the paperwork so that officers are paid to be on the streets rather than in the office.” And Farrukh Khan, 27, sales expert from central Bournemouth, said: “They should give Police Community Support Officers more powers to help cut crime on the streets.”

Latest figures reveal there were a total of 7,837 offences carried out in Dorset in April and May this year, 11.6 per cent fewer than during the same period last year.

Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Mike Glanville said: “The Force is already the second lowest funded and the fourth lowest spending in the country.

“A major review is being undertaken to prioritise the budget in readiness of the further cuts in government support expected to be announced later this year.

“Whatever the extent of these cuts, the public can have absolute confidence in the commitment of Dorset Police to Making Dorset Safer and Feel Safer.”

And Simon Merry, Dorset Police head of corporate development, said: “The extent of the government funding cut is still unknown and the impact on officers is not yet clear. However, we are examining ways to maintain our front line services to ensure people and communities remain protected and safe.

“The potential loss of operational police officers is a concern to us as it will be to the community.

“Cutting crime has always been a priority. We must remember that crime is reducing and that, generally speaking, people are safer now than they have been before.

“The force will be making some very careful decisions about the balance of services but the priority will be on maintaining front line.”