SOUTH Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner has raised concerns about government cuts as he set out his plans for the next four years.<\/p>\n
In his Police and Crime Plan 2013\/17, Shaun Wright wrote that he had \u201creal concerns that the government is refusing to acknowledge the impact of further budget cuts on policing and crime\u201d.<\/p>\n
As well as reductions in police staff and budget cuts, Mr Wright pointed out that the force had also seen a reduction in police officer numbers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have concerns that community safety will suffer as the government\u2019s cuts impact on services provided by the police, local authorities, crown prosecution, probation service and Her Majesty\u2019s Courts,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, Mr Wright pledged to \u201cplace a strong focus on investing in the delivery of front line policing and community safety services\u201d.<\/p>\n
He set out his three main priorities for the next four years, which included: reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, protecting vulnerable people and improving visible policing.<\/p>\n
One of his plans is to increase the time spent by officers in specific locations to increase the amount of police presence in targeted areas. Another plan is to increase the number of special constables and police volunteers, in particular those from black and ethnic minority backgrounds.<\/p>\n
He also plans to invest \u00a3500,000 to fund additional Public Protection Unit officers and specialist training for staff to help the force tackle child sexual exploitation.<\/p>\n
Mr Wright, who was elected as Labour’s candidate in South Yorkshire with 51 per cent of first preference votes, has previously announced that he will be raising local tax by 3.6% to help replace 60 officers expected to retire in 2013\/14.<\/p>\n
He has allocated the force a budget of \u00a3245m for 2013\/14, which is \u00a36m lower than the budget allocated in 2012\/13.<\/p>\n