More than 600 serving police officers have signed a damning open letter warning another Tory-led government will “further endanger public safety” and leave the force “perilously close to collapse”.

It is the biggest ever criticism of government policy by frontline officers – despite them being banned from taking an active part in politics.

And it will further undermine David Cameron’s Tories’ credibility as the party of law and order.

The unprecedented intervention came in response to the coalition Government slashing the police budget by around 26% over the last five years, at a cost of 35,000 officers.

The letter states: “The police service is in crisis. Numbers are falling. Experienced officers are leaving (or planning to leave) in their droves.”

And it claims cuts to the force “will send a negative message about Britain being a safe place to live and do business and it will put economic recovery at risk”.

Former Met Det Chief Insp Peter Kirkham wrote the letter after reading one by business leaders outlining their concerns about a Labour government coming to power.

The letter has been signed by more than 1,000 policing professionals, including retired officers and police staff. Among them are 423 PCs and DCs, 188 sergeants, 50 inspectors up to Det Chief Insp level and four superintendents.

But senior officers have condemned the letter. Gareth Morgan, Avon and Somerset temporary Deputy Chief Constable, tweeted: “My advice to all serving officers would be to stay well clear of campaigns and lobbying. It’s the law after all.”

Full article and letter at http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/hundreds-police-officers-sign-open-5562385

 

It would be nice if Constables stood shoulder to shoulder with rest of us when a house is stolen.

It will be too late when all the forces are privatised and many of you lose your jobs and then your home …

 

#VOIDMORTGAGE