Public awareness being raised by #CutsHaveConsequences

SOUTH Yorkshire Police Federation members are being encouraged to continue promoting the #CutsHaveConsequences campaign.

The  campaign, launched on Friday 13 February, aims to provide the public with information about how they are being affected by the £74.5 million cuts to the policing budget. Neil Bowles, Federation Chairman, said he believes the campaign is going “very well” and has been “taken on by the public”.  www.lessmeansless.co.uk

The key message is: “You do not get more or even the same with less. You only get less.”

Neil Bowles, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “The budget cuts mean less policing in South Yorkshire; this affects every resident, employee, child, student and pensioner in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

“We have loss 600 police officers since 2007… does that make you feel safer? And the fear is that with continued budget cuts, we will have about 2400 Officers by 2018 – does that sound like a nightmare to you?”

Mr Bowles added: “Where are the effects of these cuts mainly being felt? In neighbourhood teams – the lifeblood of policing. The men and women on the front line of protecting you, your families, your homes and your businesses from crime.

“The number of officers working in communities have been drastically reduced. These officers are the heartbeat of policing, linking in and gaining the trust and confidence of local communities.

“Things aren’t right. The public pay for policing – but they are being short changed.”

Adverts for the campaign can be seen on buses and trams in the area and at train stations.

Mr Bowles added: “We think the ‘Cuts Have Consequences’ campaign is brilliant. It’s really engaging people. We’ve had brilliant feedback from members, and the public, and the media even, and we’re really looking forward to continuing the campaign alongside our colleagues across the country.”