Stephen Morgan, Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, is urging Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner to listen to the concerns of frontline police officers following a vote of no confidence by their Federation.
The city MP has argued that for too long the PCC and his Conservative colleagues in Government have “had their heads stuck in the sand” over the impact their cuts are having on frontline policing.
Stephen Morgan MP said:
“At a time when crime has increased by 10% in our city, Hampshire Constabulary has lost almost 1,000 officers. You just can’t do security on the cheap. Portsmouth’s police must have the resources they need to do their job effectively across our city’s communities.
It’s clear from the Police Federation’s unprecedented survey that there’s a real sense of anger amongst frontline officers, and they feel the transparency and accountability expected of them is not replicated at the top.
From the concerns that are raised with me directly, I can completely understand why police staff might feel let down by the PCC, and I have every confidence Portsmouth taxpayers will feel the same. Many supported the rise in council tax on the understanding every penny would go to the frontline.
I hope that the PCC will now show proper leadership and deliver for our communities. At a time when crime is increasing in our city, that’s what the people of Portsmouth deserve.”
