POLICE officers could soon be asked to deal with noise nuisance \u2013 a job traditionally in the remit of local councils.<\/p>\n
The idea was raised in the Government\u2019s so-called \u2018levelling up\u2019 plan, which was announced today by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove.<\/p>\n
The \u2018restoring local pride\u2019 section of the report states: \u201cPolice officers will also gain the power to deal with noise nuisance.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said \u201csadly policing over the years has already become the only organisation who can\u2019t say no to dealing with what is often in effect issues that are responsibility of other agencies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Steve added:\u00a0\u201cI sympathise with local authorities who have endured cuts as well as ourselves, but we cannot continue to maintain what we do as well as taking on additional responsibilities outside of what Policing should be about.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have already seen that Policing does and is expected to support our overburdened colleagues in the NHS and social services sector. Are we now going to be dealing with noise complaints and low level neighbour disputes as well?<\/p>\n
\u201cThe public really needs to ask themselves what they want from the Police? If crime and protecting the vulnerable is our priority then we should be left to focus on exactly that.\u201d<\/p>\n
See the full report here:\u00a0https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/government-unveils-levelling-up-plan-that-will-transform-uk<\/a><\/p>\n \n