There are times when as a Labour Party member I scratch my head and wonder. This is one of those times.
Now I have first hand knowledge what this Conservative Government are doing for public service. I know how much damage they are reaping with regards to loss of services, cutting back Social Care, Under funding the NHS, ripping out Youth service funding and on top of that reducing our Police by 20,000 staff.
But I find it incredible to read that our own Crime Commissioner and the hierarchy in West Midlands Police are planning a ‘self service crime reporting policy?!’
Its incredible but West Midlands Police is planning to introduce “self-service” online reporting of “less serious” crimes, such as criminal damage or shoplifting, as part of a cost-cutting drive.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said people would “always be able to speak to the police”, but the plans would offer “greater choice”. However, Police Federation chairman Steve White described the proposal as “barmy”, adding: “Relying on victims of crime to do their own investigations is ridiculous”.
I fully agree with the Police Federation on this one…..It is a barmy notion, but it shows how badly stretched our Police Force is.
Anyone trying to report a crime will have experienced the hopeless 101 telephone service, and I have had stacks of local people tell me that they have reported crime, yet have had none or little response. Some people do not report minor crime, so what happens the statistics start getting miscued.
If you believe in having a fully operational well resourced Police Force, you have the chance to vote for one on June 8th, in the General Election.
With this article you can see what is coming down the road, a very broken thin blue line if the Conservatives get in again!
