Tough on Crime?

If you want an example of Westminster governments ineptitude the recent decision on the funding of Community Support Officers is probably as good as you will find.

CSO's were brought in a few years ago to supplement police officers. Its fair to say that the police were not overwhelmed by the idea with many officers opposing the introduction. Chief Constables were encouraged to apply for funding for CSO's and did so knowing that not following a government programme, however short sighted, only leads to trouble.

So now the funding is up for review and guess what. The government has halved the amount of money available and tells the local police to continue using CSo's but to find the funds from elsewhere.

Exactly how this is to be achieved is not explained. A raise in Council tax not possible or desireable, effeciency savings possible but where is the incentive if all you ever do is stand still?

As ever a deafening silence from Labour MPs on this issue.