Crime Commissioner hits out at Government over funding cuts
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner today hit out at the government over funding cuts which he says has 'taken its toll' on officers fighting knife attacks and other serious crime.
Speaking to the Express & Star, Commissioner David Jamieson said that increasing pressures to find and make cuts to police forces across the region has impacted on keeping people safe.
He said that officers will continue to be 'outstandingly efficient', despite 'facing ever greater demands.'
Mr Jamieson also revealed that there are 2,000 fewer officers fighting crime in the West Midlands than prior to government cuts which began in 2010.
Mr Jamieson has called for more police funding from the government to help tackle the problem of knife crime.
He has also set up a dedication commission to look at gangs and violence to try and identify and deal with issues surrounding knife crimes before they happen.
He said: "The rise in crime in the West Midlands and across the country is a major concern.
"Officers at the force work around the clock to prevent and catch those who decide to commit crimes and they are facing ever greater demands.
"West Midlands Police has lost £145 million from central government since 2010.
"Despite being rated as outstandingly efficient by the Independent Inspectors the fact we have 2,000 fewer officers fighting crime is starting to take its toll.
"Despite the challenges faced, we are determined to get on with the job of keeping people in the West Midlands safe.
"I have set-up a Commission on Gangs and Violence to tackle the root causes of the issues. I want to make sure young people have the opportunities they need and don’t end-up getting involved in crime."
