'More help for local police' - Tierney

Serena Tierney, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for the Mid Sussex constituency, today commented on the Government's proposals in its policing white paper.

Speaking to local community leaders, Serena Tierney said: "It is right that links between the police and local people are increased. But these measures will only work if they're matched with a cut in the amount of paperwork - and investment in modern equipment - to keep our police out on the streets.

"Here in Mid Sussex, we are lucky that our police work hard to build links with the local community. But if the idea of a local officer for every street is to become reality, then the government must invest in reducing the burden of paperwork.

"Local officers tell me they waste hours when they arrest suspects because they have to take them to Crawley to complete the process. Often they have to wait up to an hour before they can be dealt with. That takes two officers off the street for up to three hours to deal with one suspect. That cannot be an efficient use of police time."