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22/09/2004
Lib Dems unveil anti-crime strategy at Bournemouth
A Lib Dem administration would scrap David Blunkett's ID card proposals and instead use the money to put 30,000 more police officers on the streets, the party's annual conference in Bournemouth has heard today.
By abandoning Labour's £3 billion ID card plans, the Lib Dems say they would fund the recruitment of 10,000 more frontline police officers and 20,000 more Community Support Officers.
Outlining the party's anti-crime strategy, Lib Dem policing spokesman, David Heath, said that national multi-service super-agencies would be created to fight national and international crime, cross-border terrorism, drug smuggling and people trafficking.
The centre-left party also plans a "massive investment" in technology to help officers spend more time out on the street. There would also be an increase in the use of local courts to reduce the amount of time police officers have to spend away from their communities.
To further boost police numbers, retired officers - or those nearing retirement - would be encouraged to stay on to aid with administrative work and to pass on their years of practical experience, conference delegates were told.
Mr Heath said: "Our proposals will improve the ability of local forces to fight crime effectively in the communities they serve.
"They will ensure that wherever people live they have the protection of a visible, responsive and successful police force."
Lib Dem home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten added that the plans would give local people "a direct say" whilst boosting "visible policing".
(gmcg/mb)
By abandoning Labour's £3 billion ID card plans, the Lib Dems say they would fund the recruitment of 10,000 more frontline police officers and 20,000 more Community Support Officers.
Outlining the party's anti-crime strategy, Lib Dem policing spokesman, David Heath, said that national multi-service super-agencies would be created to fight national and international crime, cross-border terrorism, drug smuggling and people trafficking.
The centre-left party also plans a "massive investment" in technology to help officers spend more time out on the street. There would also be an increase in the use of local courts to reduce the amount of time police officers have to spend away from their communities.
To further boost police numbers, retired officers - or those nearing retirement - would be encouraged to stay on to aid with administrative work and to pass on their years of practical experience, conference delegates were told.
Mr Heath said: "Our proposals will improve the ability of local forces to fight crime effectively in the communities they serve.
"They will ensure that wherever people live they have the protection of a visible, responsive and successful police force."
Lib Dem home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten added that the plans would give local people "a direct say" whilst boosting "visible policing".
(gmcg/mb)
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