All of the comments below were recorded by GMPA during a recent budget consultation exercise. The feedback was considered by GMPA as it set the police budget for 2011-2012. You can also read all the questions answered on the Policing Today, Policing Tomorrow town hall tour.
We want crime dealt with and a police presence on our streets. We do not want the police acting as politically-correct social workers getting involved with multiculturalism, sexual orientation, being kind to gypsies etc.
How about reducing the mountain of paperwork, tick-boxes, and check-box forms police officers have to fill in when they stop somebody, never mind arrest them!!?
I think every Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) should be accompanied on the beat by at least one regular police officer. This will cut down on police cars, accompanying costs and give a more visible "real" deterrent on the streets and stop the harassment of PCSOs.
The police have a right to expect the public to behave in a reasonable fashion, give assistance and information when asked and be spoken to in a civil matter. Society gets the police service it deserves.
The public should be educated on what to expect from the police. They're not there to lead people through life by the hand, give marital advice, deal with civil matters etc.
More visible policing needed on the streets. More direct contact with the general public. How many people know their local neighbourhood police officers? Good communication builds trust and confidence.
I would rather have police on the street than consulting with partners.
Officers should not be doing surveys of communities, doing social workers' work, planting bulbs and getting down with the kids. Savings in time and money can be made by returning to "law enforcement" rather than "community safety."
I for one do think you just need the officers to work harder and quicker to get work done.