The Alliance Party of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's cross-community party

David Ford

Alliance blasts plans to cut number of police in Northern Ireland

4.31.50pm GMT Wed 17th Jan 2007

Portrait-yellow: DICKSON Stewart (photography: Allan Leonard)

Carrickfergus Alliance Councillor, Stewart Dickson

Alliance East Antrim Representative Cllr Stewart Dickson has hit out at plans to reduce the number of police in Northern Ireland from 7,500 to just over 6,000. The plans were released today by the Policing Board and are included in a report examining policing after 2010/2011. He stated that many areas in Northern Ireland are crying out for more officers on the streets.

Carrickfergus Councillor Stewart Dickson said: "When it comes to protecting our community, no corners should be cut. Efficiency is necessary, but peoples' safety must not be jeopardised in the process.

"The thinking behind these plans for a reduction in the number of police needed in Northern Ireland is flawed.

"On an almost daily basis we hear of robberies on older people and other despicable acts. Surely police cannot expect us to agree to having less police officers on the streets when many areas are crying out for more of them.

"I hope that this report is not a sign of things to come. First we hear of plans to close the Assets Recovery Agency, and now this. Such moves are totally unacceptable.

"We should be increasing protection for local people, not leaving them vulnerable to criminals and gangsters."

ENDS

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