Drop in police numbers deeply disappointing

3.13.03pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 22nd Jul 2008

Commenting on the drop in the number of police officers, revealed by the Home Office today, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"High visibility policing is already hampered by red tape and ridiculous central targets, without being further eroded by reduced manpower.

"When fear of crime is so high it is deeply disappointing that police numbers are falling.

"To help communities feel safer, the Liberal Democrats would put 10,000 more police on the beat by scrapping the unnecessary and illiberal ID card scheme."