Friday, 22 July 2011
Concern over cuts to West Yorkshire police
Calderdale’s Labour leader has warned that cuts in the number of police officers in West Yorkshire - required because of Government spending reductions - will put future crime levels at risk.
Cllr Swift was responding to the HMIC (Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary) report outlining how police forces are planning to deal with cuts in their spending.
Cllr Tim Swift commented
“I have every confidence in our current police force ? they have been remarkably good at tackling crime and making people feel safe.
“I don’t believe that you can cut 750 police officers and nearly 1500 police staff and not damage the West Yorkshire Force. We have been saying this ever since the cuts were announced, and we will carry on saying it: Cuts this deep equals higher crime!
“It is too easy to think about cuts in just money terms: 2250 fewer people will be keeping us safe by 2015. If that does not worry you, it should.
“I am glad that the force is well prepared to make changes, has consulted and is protecting the number of PCSO’s.
“I will be calling for regular briefings for this Council on the impact of these changes on crime and public safety. I don’t want to see vulnerable members of our community paying the price of these savage cuts.”