Uniform approach slammed by South Yorkshire Federation

PLANS to return plain-clothed officers to uniform to increase police visibility in South Yorkshire simply “papers over the cracks” left by reduced resources, the Federation has said.

The force has launched a scheme to increase police visibility. Dozens of officers attached to CID are returning to uniform, while 70 unmarked police vehicles will be given South Yorkshire Police crests.

The force also has plans to put more signs on its buildings.

But Neil Bowles, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, has said the changes would simply “paper over the cracks” left by reduced resources. “It would be far better to have more police officers on the beat,” he said.

Mr Bowles pointed out that police are less visible because the force had lost 500 officers since 2007.

He added that the force has previously chosen to use plain cars and non-uniformed officers for a purpose. “Police don’t always want to be visible. Plain cars and plain clothes are needed for surveillance, for example, or for going to visit a witness who might not want to be seen talking to police,” he said.

The force has had to reduce its budget by £30m since 2010 and faces a further £13m reduction over the next two financial years, representing 20 per cent cuts.

South Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner Shaun Wright made increasing police visibility one of his top three priorities in his recent Police and Crime Plan.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Martyn Bates told policeoracle.com: “There are a number of detectives who do not particularly work in covert roles but come into work in jeans and T-shirts. We are not saying they looked a mess but it is not a professional image for the Force and we want people to wear suitable business attire.

“It will make them easily identifiable as officers and they look like they will do a professional job.”

“It will reflect on the Force and make us look more corporate and professional.”