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15/05/2007
Police condemn 'ludicrous' targets culture
Frontline police officers have called for an end to 'target-driven' police culture, claiming that it is forcing them to make arrests in "ludicrous" cases.
The Police Federation of England and Wales said that government targets were forcing officers to arrest people for petty offences.
Some of the cases cited by the federation include:
The issue is due to be discussed at the federation's annual conference in Blackpool, where delegates will debate whether it is right to judge officers purely on the number of arrests, cautions or on-the-spot fines.
Federation Chairman Jan Berry said that the situation was even making some police officers consider leaving the force.
Commenting on subject, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said: "This reinforces what we have been saying - that Whitehall interference and perverse targets are stopping the police from doing what they public want them to do.
"Conservatives would free the police from Labour's red-tape so they can be deployed onto our streets - where the public want them."
(KMcA/JM)
The Police Federation of England and Wales said that government targets were forcing officers to arrest people for petty offences.
Some of the cases cited by the federation include:
- A man from Cheshire who was cautioned for being "found in possession of an egg with intent to throw"
- A child in Kent who was arrested because they threw a slice of cucumber at another child
- A West Midlands woman arrested on her wedding day for criminal damage after her foot slipped on her car's accelerator pedal and her car damaged a car park barrier
- A child from Kent arrested for throwing cream buns at a bus
The issue is due to be discussed at the federation's annual conference in Blackpool, where delegates will debate whether it is right to judge officers purely on the number of arrests, cautions or on-the-spot fines.
Federation Chairman Jan Berry said that the situation was even making some police officers consider leaving the force.
Commenting on subject, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said: "This reinforces what we have been saying - that Whitehall interference and perverse targets are stopping the police from doing what they public want them to do.
"Conservatives would free the police from Labour's red-tape so they can be deployed onto our streets - where the public want them."
(KMcA/JM)
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