\u201cALL you get for less, is less\u201d opposition party MPs have been told by South Yorkshire Police constables in a summit at the Houses of Parliament.<\/p>\n
PC Zuleika Payne \u2013 pictured right with PC Lisa Kramer \u2013 was part of a delegation of Federation representatives who enjoyed an \u201cencouraging\u201d meeting with the seven Labour Party MPs in Westminster.\u00a0\u201cWe have certainly had the ear of some very important, key people,\u201d said PC Payne.<\/p>\n
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The seven Labour Party MPs asked the officers at the meeting on September 11 to come up with evidence to back up their claims that Government cuts are affecting police service delivery.<\/p>\n
PC Payne added: \u201cThe fact they want us to come up with more evidence, facts and key figures and are encouraging dialogue \u2013 I am wholly encouraged by all of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere has been a drastic reduction in officer numbers. At the end of the day, all we are doing is failing the community, the society that we are supposed to be serving. We are failing members of the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a sentiment out there that this Government will get the police service it deserves \u2013 and this country deserves a lot better. With falling officer numbers, we cannot deliver the level of service expected of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
PC Payne, who represents Rotherman constables, concluded: \u201cWe have had massive reductions in South Yorkshire \u2013 we have gone from 3,500 officers to 2,700. And we are told we have got to lose another 500.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll you get for less is less.\u201d<\/p>\n
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