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Uncuff the Police

UNCUFF THE POLICE

David Mowat goes out on police patrol in Central Warrington and slams Government target culture and excessive form filling.

In late August, David had the chance to watch the policing operation in Central Warrington from first hand.

Two impressions were clear:

that we are very fortunate to have such dedicated young men and women who are prepared to work in these tough conditions for the enormous benefit of the rest of  the community;

that the government has handicapped police operations by insistence on a massive amount of form filling, useless targets that nobody looks at, and bureaucracy. And of course botched re-organisations;

David commented. “A small example of many was that while I was in Bridge Street with local officers they were unable to use a piece of legislation which gave them the power to ask the public to move off from a particular area. Why? Because each time this is now done a form must be filled out in duplicate. And the Labour Government has yet to get them printed. Result is.........the police cannot use the powers they need!”

“Visit any senior police officer and they will show you their many files of performance indicators. All produced at the cost of much police time and sent to the Home Office… for what. No feedback, no questions, just bureaucracy. That is despite more money being spent on the police, there are less visible bobbies on the beat. They are all back at the station filling out forms.............. to send back to Gordon Brown.