Police Cuts as Forces feel the pinch

Large numbers of police forces are planning to cut thousands of officers despite the threat of a recession-driven surge in crime and disorder.

One of Britain’s most experienced chief constables said that forces were being dangerously weakened at a time when a strong police force could be essential to “hold the line”. Timothy Brain, Chief Constable of Gloucestershire since 2001, said: “There is a risk of increased crime and disorder as a result of the effect of recession and many police forces will be made weaker as a result of the latest grant and council tax settlements.”

Paul McKeever, Police Federation chairman, said: “We are at the start of what could be a prolonged economic depression where crime is likely to increase. This is of extreme concern as there is already a frontline stretch, where officers are under pressure to manage the current demands within the communities they serve.

“To reduce officer numbers is ludicrous and prioritises the pursuit of unrealistic targets over public safety.”

Chris Grayling, the Shadow Home Secretary, said "This has to be the final nail in the coffin of Tony Blair's promise that Labour would be tough on crime.  We already have many violent crimes rocketing and crimes like burglary on the rise again." 

Andy Morgan, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Bolton South East, said "Thanks to Gordon Brown wrecking our public finances, we're going to end up with fewer police on our streets.''