The issue is not absolute Police numbers, its also the infrastructure and support mechanisms that help detect and prevent crime. Policing has evolved or has to evolve, in response to eg the sophistication of crimes eg internet scams and the associated personal losses involved, doesn't require a Policeman on the beat.
You can use statistics to prove whatever you want, but staffing numbers alone are not the wider debate, the real issue is how you have an effective Policing service, properly financed and equipped with the required infrastructure and skills base necessary. Whilst a Policeman on the beat may give public reassurance, it may not be the best method to deter or prevent crime in today's society.
I question many crime stats as often there is no history of previous similar (criminal) activity until it is made a crime and recorded as such. The instances of it probably haven't changed, just the emphasis society places on it. For example the wider use of camera's in town centres, has probably allowed more crimes to be recorded. which may not have been detected by a Policeman on the beat. So the stats go up but in reality nothing has really changed, just the way how often it is detected/Policed. some town centres were always dangerous at night since I was a lad and best avoided........
Last edited by JohnHarris; 28/11/24 01:39 PM.
