The report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (Report, 2 March) registered a number of concerns about the police’s ability to cope with demand.
I am delighted, of course, that Durham constabulary was rated “outstanding” – the best force in the country. But the government’s claim that local police forces have had their funding protected is simply not true. As a result of cuts since 2010, Durham has lost 375 officers, or 25%. And overall the service has lost 32,000 officers. This at a time when crime is rising and becoming more complex, and other services which work with the police are also seeing substantial cuts. HMIC’s report shows that the government needs to realise that enough is enough.
Ron Hogg
Police, crime and victims’ commissioner for County Durham and Darlington
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