I WAS surprised to see a report in the March 6 issue of the Shuttle Times and News stating that one benefit flowing from the increase in the West Mercia Police Authority's budget would be a boosting of "the number of bobbies on the beat".
I was not aware that there were any. Where can they be seen?
Once again the public is being squeezed for no visible measurable benefit.
The extra money raised will be spent, I dare say, on paying for more facilitators, co-ordinators, liaison officers, development officers, consultants etc.
In fact, the March 6 issue contains a police recruiting advertisement for two more of this office-bound class - an analyst and a programmer.
The advertisement states that the constabulary is "recognised as a progressive, dynamic and efficient organisation that is maximising the benefits of information technology".
Oh yes? Recognised by whom? Not by those people - including Sir John Stevens, the commission of the Metropolitan Police - who say that the police got it wrong when they withdrew uniformed officers from the beat.
M EDWARDS
Broomfield Close
Kidderminster
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