By Andrew Young-
Police forces are “failing” the British public because of falling numbers and increasing demand of officers, the new head of the Police Federation has warned. John Apter, who took over as national chairman of the association a few weeks ago, said the public would continue to “suffer” with unsatisfactory levels of policing due to stretched resources which leave police unable to investigate some of the crimes they would have dealt with in the past. Apter also warned that policing in some areas was “broken” and that forces were “in crisis”.
His strong concern expressed to the Independent Newspaper confirms a deteriorating force due to financial shortage: “We can’t do everything – there are going to be situations where we simply can’t deliver the policing we want to deliver.” In those cases we are failing the public but that’s not the fault of police officers on the ground, and in some cases it’s not the chief constable’s fault.”You can only slice the financial cake so many ways and you have to prioritise … the public are already suffering and they are going to suffer more and more.” Mr Apter said a shortage of government funds was responsible for putting too much pressure on policing.
They added that despite some efficiency savings forces were now in danger of becoming inefficient. Latest figures indicate that the number of police officers in England and Wales was 122,404 at the end of March, the lowest number since comparable records started in 1996. This shortage means there isn’t enough officers to attend to the many complaints the force receive, leaving many complainants simply without a response, or with a highly delayed response.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
Crime rates have also risen, according to statistics that show that the British Police Force logged 5.5 million crimes in the 12 months to March – a rise of a tenth (11%) compared with the previous year and the highest tally for an equivalent period since 2005/06. Many members of the British public have also expressed frustration with the time the police take to arrive on the scene when crimes are reported to them. British police are historically quick to arrive on the scene, as they flash their green lights and race to scene of any emergency. However, if they are overworked and lacking in numbers, they will not always be able to carry out their duties efficiently.
Police also take longer than desirable to get back to those who have reported crimes to the police crime bureau. A number of people have told The Eye Of Media.Com in the last few months how frustrating it can be waiting for police to update them or even call them back about crimes they have reported.
Last year, the Metropolitan Police announced new guidelines which would mean officers could “determine very quickly if it is proportionate” to investigate “lower level, higher volume offences” further.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Mark Simmons said the force had to work with fewer officers and less money, with the Crime Assessment Policy introduced to help prioritise resources. The Home Office says total investment in the police system will be increased by over £460 million in 2018-19, including funding for local policing through the council tax precept.
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar