Lib Dems Back Deal for Extra Officers

12.00.00am GMT Fri 21st Feb 2003

Liberal Democrats on West Yorkshire’s Police Authority this afternoon backed a deal that will provide the county with 267 extra Police Officers and 200 new Community Support Officers.

Lib Dem Authority member Cllr David Morton (Lib Dem, Headingley) said "by increasing the police precept by 25p per week, the price of a packet of crisps, we can provide better policing for Leeds. Highlights of the package include new up-to-date body armour and protective clothing for the force over the next two years. Extra money for forensic tests will help get convictions and extra call handlers will improve response times to calls."

"However we now need to have a real debate about how these officers are deployed" said Cllr Morton. “Everyone I meet wants a high profile police presence on our streets. ‘Bobbies on the beat’ may not be the most effective way of catching criminals but its really cuts the fear of crime. I will be pressing to make sure the 200 new community support officers are deployed at ward level.”

Key Points in the Budget Proposal:

 A Police Council Tax rise of £12.89 p.a. (16.98%) to £88.81 p.a.

 267 additional officers

 200 Police Community Support Officers

 Additional Body Armour