THE Government\u2019s recent claim that cuts are not to blame for a rise in gun and knife related crime, should be treated with caution, says South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair, Zuleika Payne.<\/p>\n
In a controversial statement, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said that the spate of violence in London in particular was fuelled by drugs and social media.<\/p>\n
She said there was \u2018no evidence\u2019 that police cuts were responsible.<\/p>\n
Many Police Federations reacted angrily to the claims.<\/p>\n
Greater Manchester Police Chairman Ian Hanson said the cuts meant that the Government was allowing people\u2019s loved ones to die on the streets.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe politicians tell us it\u2019s not about Police numbers\u2026 yet the response to the crisis in our capital this week is to draft in 300 additional police officers from across London – they can\u2019t have it both ways,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople\u2019s loved ones are dying on their watch because of these cuts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zuleika says the Government\u2019s view has stirred up negative press about policing and that the good work which is going on is being overlooked.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat they (the Government) are saying is that because officer numbers have dropped then the expectation is that gun, gang and knife crime should actually be much higher than it is.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Home Secretary would have you believe that because all the officers we have are doing a great job, we don\u2019t need anymore.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an interesting spin on the facts, feeding their agenda and justifying dismantling the police service.”<\/p>\n