Police fear loss of school visits and advice service
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.COMMUNITY police services, such as crime prevention advice and school visits, could be axed under the Government's 'cost cutting' review, chief constables warned.
The Association of Chief Police Officers, on the eve of its conference with local authorities, yesterday published a report questioning how police functions may change.
It said: 'We believe that the review is being driven by the desire to save money and that the police may be forced to withdraw from their vital social service role. We might, for example, have to give up . . . work such as offering crime prevention advice or visiting schools.'
The report added: 'We must not jeopardise Britain's community policing style by privatising or abandoning duties that keep us close to the community.'
It would be beneficial for some work to be farmed out, but a public debate was needed.
Michael Howard, the Home Secretary, yesterday said the review would 'clarify the police role, lighten their workload and so achieve enhanced performance in key service areas.'
He revealed that all escort work between courts, prisons, and police cells, would be contacted out by the end of 1997.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments