PAT GLASS MP CONDEMNS COALITION’S CUTS TO LOCAL POLICING

This week Durham Constabulary issued letters to its 1,160-strong civilian workforce, including police community support officers, specialist analysts and crime scene investigators, advising that their posts are being considered for redundancy, as a result of cutbacks, and that the 90-day statutory consultation period had started.

Local MP, Pat Glass, said in response:

 

“PCSOs, special analysts, crime scene investigators and other members of the civilian workforce in North West Durham are a critical part of the police force.

 

“PCSOs provide a visible presence on the streets and interact with the public; they deter crime and provide reassurance to people. I am disgusted by the government’s treatment of our loyal, hard-working PCSOs. They deserve respect from the Coalition government; we must value those who provide frontline services.

 

“This is an attack on community policing by the new coalition government which will hamper the fight against crime in North West Durham and weaken our police force. I have every sympathy with civilian police staff who are worrying for their jobs and I will do everything that I can to fight for them in Westminster.”

 

Pat also added:

 

“Both the Tories and the Lib Dems fought the General Election calling for more police officers and safer streets. Unfortunately, one of the first acts of the new coalition is to slash the police budget for this year. This was a budget which they supported in the run up to the General Election.

 

 “I opposed this new funding package as it does not protect the interests of the people of North West Durham.

 

“Under Labour crime fell by 36 per cent and there were record numbers of police on the beat. This cut will mean less police on the beat, working to make our communities safer.”

 

 

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