| Better Police Performance Needs Continuity |
| Monday, 22 October 2007 | |
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Latest police performance figures* show a staggering 120,000 plus reported incidents of anti social behaviour across Merseyside with the police response to them graded as 'poor'. Police performance at dealing with attacks on the person remains stuck
on 'fair' though Merseyside is regarded as a 'good' force.
Satisfaction ratings with police performance have deteriorated. Commenting on the figures John Pugh MP said: "With sharp falls in burglary and vehicle crime the local focus falls on issues of public order." "What this shows is the public anxiety about 'safe streets' and the difficulty the police have in providing the assurance necessary. Many of the victims of this type of crime are young people themselves. "I do think the police recognise the problem but in dealing with it the police in Southport will benefit from more continuity in terms of personnel. There is no substitute for local knowledge. I support strongly the neighbourhood police approach but particularly at senior level in Southport I have seen during my short time as an M.P. a very quick turnover at the top. "I can't think that helps bring the problem under control. There has got to be career progression with constant re-location otherwise true local policing wont work." *The latest figures (for 2006-07) were published on 9th October and those for Merseyside can be found by visting this link to the Home Office website |