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Scrap ID cards for more police - demand
Date published: 02/03/2009
OLDHAM Lib-Dems want to scrap the Government’s controversial ID cards scheme and use the cash saved to pay for 500 extra police officers to patrol Greater Manchester.
They say their plan would see an extra 10,000 police officers across England and Wales — including 507 in the region.
Elwyn Watkins, Parliamentary spokesman for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “In these difficult times we need more police officers on the street, but the Government instead plans to waste billions on ID cards, which will do nothing to help keep order on our streets.
“Highly visible community policing is a top priority for the Liberal Democrats. A greater police and community support officer presence on our streets will reduce both crime and the fear of crime, help clamp down on anti-social behaviour and reduce the number of crime ‘hot spots’.
“We will also simplify the bureaucracy the police face so they can spend more time on patrol, preventing crime and catching criminals.
“The Government has yet to introduce a national computer system that has worked and come in on budget. The ID cards computer system will be no different. ID cards will be ineffective and cost taxpayers billions at a time of severe economic hardship. The money would be better spent on more police officers.”
Among the first people to carry the ID cards in Britain will be workers at Manchester Airport.
Have Your Say
Are the ID cards supposed to help police? so why scrap them and put more police officers on duty, they will just end up doing pointless paperwork anyway so keep the card and then the police will know who they are arresting. The only people who dont want these cards are librals and crooks!!!!!
What’s the point of more police only last night Park Road bus stop was yet again full of cash & carry vans parked up and the Police on horses just ignored them, just the two on foot 15 minutes later. I suppose they will use the excuse it's ombc responsibility but we all know that’s a JOKE…………
Scrapping ID cards wil not put more police on the beat, but scrapping the political harresment, and paper work that goes with it, will go a long way in helping!
The problem with the current situation is that there probably ARE enough police officers, but they are spending too much time off the streets!If there is money to be spent, it should be on civilian admin workers, in order to let the expensively trained coppers to do what they are trained for,ie prevent crime and catch criminals!
As for ID cards, what's wrong with that? I've nothing to hide, so it doesn't worry me at all!
By Meldroo @ 02/03/2009 12:56:32
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