Ruth backs plan to bring back neighbourhood policing

Ruth Cadbury MP has backed plans to bring back neighbourhood policing after new analysis showed a large reduction in staffing for neighbourhood policing in London due to funding cuts by the Government.

This data showed the number of PCSO’s across London has collapsed by 75% since 2010- with over 3,500 fewer officers.

The current Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is investing more funding into policing, including an announcement for 500 extra PCSOs in London.

Ruth has called on the Government to back an ambitious plan to bring back neighbourhood policing with 13,000 more neighbourhood police on Britain’s streets. This plan, announced by the Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, would see the equivalent of every constituency in England and Wales getting 15-20 extra neighbourhood police officers.

Speaking in full Ruth Cadbury MP said,

‘‘A decade of Government cuts to policing has had a huge impact. I know from my recent walk abouts with the police locally that this lack of funding is having a huge impact.

‘‘Cuts to neighbourhood policing has made it harder for the police to carry out regular foot patrols or to monitor high risk areas. That’s why I’m backing this plan to get more neighbourhood police back on our streets. Traditional neighbourhood police officers know their patch, know the local area and are crucial in tackling crimes from anti-social behaviour to drug dealing. I know from regularly meeting with them that they play a crucial role in keeping us safe.

‘‘After years of campaigning we’ve seen the difference that the new dedicated neighbourhood team in Hounslow Town Centre has made.

‘‘I now want to see this model rolled out across the country. I’ll continue to campaign for more police on our streets and efforts to tackle crime locally.’’

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper MP said:

“The Government have completely decimated neighbourhood policing, leaving our communities without the protection they need.

“We have a serious plan to bring back neighbourhood policing, with a fully-funded package for 13,000 extra neighbourhood police on our streets.

“The last Labour government brought in neighbourhood policing, and now, after more than a decade of neglect, we will restore it.