The true scale of Southampton police cuts
10th February 2011
Southampton’s Labour MPs John Denham and Alan Whitehead have written to Hampshire’s Chief Constable to ask how many of the 161 police officer cuts due to be implemented will fall on Southampton.
They have also asked him to confirm further reports suggesting that there will be another wave of cuts to front-line police next year- meaning there may be up-to 300 fewer police on the beat in two years time.
Earlier this week Hampshire Police Authority’s Finance Committee confirmed 161 officer posts will be cut. While research conducted by the Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, suggested there could be as many as 300 fewer police officers in Hampshire as a result of Government cuts to police budgets.
John Denham said:
“There were record numbers of police on the streets when Labour left office. David Cameron promised us there would be no cuts to front-line services under a Tory Government, but you can’t get much more front line than the police officers who keep our communities safe.
Alan Whitehead said:
“With even local Tories confirming that crime in Southampton had fallen dramatically under Labour, it’s imperative that we confirm the extent of the reduction in officers as soon as possible.”
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