Vera Baird “PCCs are united: Government must think again on police funding cuts after Paris, Brussels and Mali”
24th November 2015
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, speaking from the association of police and crime commissioners/ NPCC partnership summit in Manchester has called for adequate police funding to tackle terrorism – a ‘major and increasing focus’ for the police.
PCCs have written to the Home Secretary, calling on her to halt further cuts in forces’ funding.
Speaking ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review, Ms Baird, said: “There is no doubt about it – further cuts to our budget will impact on neighbourhood policing. Today, I have just listened to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner telling the conference that neighbourhood police are ‘the eyes and ears’ of counter terrorism, ‘a vital link’ in our security coverage.
“He is the most senior police officer in the country and one would expect him to be requesting more firearms and armour at this time and although he is doing do he chose to focus a major part of his address on urging the importance of these eyes and ears in the community.
“The message from police and crime commissioners to the Home Secretary is loud and clear – we need officers on the frontline gathering intelligence and keeping our communities safe.
“While I am committed to making best use of resources – enough is enough – community safety must be our priority.”
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