Surrey Police jobs under threat

[Emily-o]

I was saddened to read that the Surrey police have had their budget capped by the government. Unfortunately the fund cut has been passed down to the workforce and 50 frontline police jobs in Surrey (http://www.careers-jobs.eu/surrey-jobs) are going to be axed – one of which is based along the Thames.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/surrey/8159350.stm

I personally thought that crime is an ongoing problem and policemen would be safe in their jobs? I was obviously wrong! Does anyone feel any police presence on their streets anymore? I rarely see a policeman walking down the street in the day. Occasionally I see them on a Friday and Saturday night though. I more commonly see community officers. I am thankful that Surrey isn’t as rough as other areas of the UK!
Surely the lack of officers on the streets – and especially along the Thames is going to come back and bite us on the bum? Not only is there a safety issue on the river but it is also a crime spot.

[Lilly]

WHAT????? No reason is good enough to slack on keeping the country in order!!!! Is it only me or have crime picked up over the entire UK...Especially the knife violence...I'm really scared walking from the bus stop at night. Can we appeal to this?

[Emily-o]

I don't think we can appeal to this unfortunately.Though wouldn't it be dreamy if we could have more control on what our tax is spent on? I think they have been threatening a budget cap for quite some time and earlier this year there were police cuts.

Some areas of Surrey have higher crime rates then others. For instance I have heard of many drugs raids and fights breaking out in Woking but I don't hear many stories like that down my end. I am happy where I live but I am sure there are some estates people would like to avoid at night!

Do you feel like there is enough police presence on the streets? I see more community officers around. While they do a good job are they enough?

[Josie]

I am shocked this is even an idea that is being considered! I mean cutting down on Police!!!! What next Ambulance staff and Firemen? This is one area you would think the cuts would not happen! What on earth are they thinking?!!!

Lowering the number of Police on our streets is what could increase the crime you know!

[Emily-o]

I know what you mean Josie - that is what I thought!

I have wondered if we are the only county to receive a budget cut - or if other areas of the UK are facing the same deal? Maybe Surrey is considered safer then other areas like London lol.
When it was voting time I received a leaflet from the conservatives and they highlighted that the amount of funding we receive per person is far less then those in Manchester receive. Add these together and I am sensing some unfair funding issues? How comes those up north can get more from the government then we can?

[Josie]

I have no idea if other counties have recieved a budget cutr as well but it is an interesting thought though isn't it?

As for Surrey being considered safer than othger area's - yes I guess in some sense it is but there are still problem areas aren't there! Maybe its safer because of the number of police we have patrolling our streets - maybe it will all change now?

As for Counties up north recieving more funding!!!!!!!!! I had no idea! I wonder what criteria they base it all on?

[daisy]

this is shocking!!! the crime figures are on the rise and they want to do this! insane!!!