THE newly appointed chairman of the Police Federation in Cheshire has hit out over the government’s proposed 20 per cent in funding for the police – predicting it will lead to a loss of 213 officers in the county.
This equates to 10 per cent reduction in the number of officers available to police the county – including Warrington.
Simon Roberts says the majority of people who took part in a recent survey said they would be worried if, as a result of the cutback, the police stopped providing the full range of services currently given.
He said: “As the chairman of the Police Federation in Cheshire, and also a resident of Cheshire, I share the concerns the public have.”
Mr Roberts says to achieve the required reduction in numbers in Cheshire, the force has been forced to reduce drastically the number of officers recruited.
He said: “The consequences of this decision will be felt for many years to come. History has told us that when the country faces very difficult economical times the call on the police service is greater.
“We have seen large scale demonstrations in the region. In Cheshire we are not immune to such protests – officers from Cheshire have been responsible for policing recent protests at Stanlow Oil Refinery.
“Nobody can predict what the future holds, but does anybody actually believe we will need the police service less in the coming years at a time when police officer numbers are falling?
“The reality of the decision made by the coalition government to reduce the policing budget by 20 per cent is that to achieve those savings police officer numbers nationally will be at the level they were in 1970.
“I have no doubt that the savings will be made, my fear is at what cost to the communities we serve.”
Mr Roberts urges the Home Secretary and the government to look again at the figure of 20 per cent.
He says a cutback of 12 per cent is achievable, according to HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, and urges the Home Secretary to reflect on this figure “as a more realistic target.”
THE newly appointed chairman of the Police Federation in Cheshire has hit out over the government's proposed 20 per cent in funding for the police - predicting it will lead to a loss of 213 officers in the county.
213 police officers may be lost
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
6 Comments
Sheer stupidity. The police already struggle to combat crime and have reduced the level at which they respond. Less police is the green light for the criminals to do what they like when they like. Don’t are politicians know what goes on in the real world?
It isn’t a problem that a switch in priorities wouldn’t solve.
He has already admitted that he has got 12% dead wood, I am sure I can find another 8% if he looked around the offices.
As a retired police Officer, eagle you are right , there is plenty of dead wood in Cheshire Police and far too many senior officers who have surpasssed their 30 years service. There is no comoradory in the service anymore, colleagues will stab you in the back, just to climb the greasy pole of Promotion for their own ends.
Get back to the 80s and 90s , when bobbys worked together to fight crime.
I take it Simon Roberts isnt complaining about being appointed as Chairman of the Cheshire Police Federation ? A nice 9 to 5 number , no nights no having to deal with drunks and nice functions to attend and expenses to top it all.
your right and its time to get rid of people with no life in them – the street and people will be fine – just look at all the CCTV we have now haha