"There can be no excuses" - concerns over number of new Gloucestershire police officers
Targets have been cut by two thirds since PCC Chris Nelson was elected
County councillors are calling on Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson to stick to his manifesto pledge to recruit an extra 300 officers.
The Liberal Democrats are also calling on Mr Nelson to provide a public presentation on how he intends to halve the levels of anti-social behaviour in the county over the next two years.
A motion, which is being put forward by Cllr Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm at next week’s Gloucestershire County Council meeting, also wants an explanation as to why his manifesto commitment on officer numbers has been cut by almost two thirds.
Cllr Hilton says police numbers in Gloucestershire have been cut back too far by the Conservative Government: “Neighbourhoods across the county have suffered from rising anti-social behaviour and petty crime.
“A lack of police officers patrolling on foot is a factor. It is time that the number of police officers and police and community support officers patrolling our streets is restored to how it was a few years ago.
“That is why I support the plan of the new Conservative police and crime commissioner to increase the number of police officers by 300 and to reduce anti-social behaviour by 50%.
“However, we are already hearing excuses that he won’t be able to achieve the promises he made before he was elected.
“My motion to the county council next week sets down a challenge for Chris Nelson the PCC to deliver on his pledges.
“There can be no excuses. The people of Gloucestershire voted to see more bobbies on the beat.”
PCC Chris Nelson said he is delivering the largest increase in deployable strength that Gloucestershire Constabulary has seen in a generation. He said: “By the end of 2023/24, there will be at least an extra 340 pairs of boots on the ground across our county, providing a visible policing presence and tackling the issues that matter to our residents, like anti-social behaviour.
“Added to that, there’ll be more than 170 extra specialist police staff cutting waiting times on our 101 number, improving the support for victims of crime and supporting the front line.
“I’m doing exactly what I said I would, making our county safer and focusing on the issues our residents care about. That’s why the Conservatives are the party of law and order.”