IMPROVED ACCESS TO POLICE NEEDED TO COUNTER ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

11.53.04am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 13th Sep 2007

Councillor Steve Darling, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Torbay Council, has written to the Chief Constable Stephen Otter regarding anti-social behaviour, and in particular ways in which the police can be contacted.

Prior to the introduction of the airwaves system, key members of the local community were able to contact the local beat bobby via a mobile phone, ensuring a swift response to any incidents of anti social behaviour. The mobile phones have been replaced by a new 'airwave' system that is not as efficient. Since the introduction of the airwave system, the informal mobile phone system has been stopped and discouraged. Members of the public have to go through the Devon and Cornwall Police switchboard which can lead to significant delays in getting incidents reported.

Councillor Darling's letter says:

Dear Chief Constable,

Subject: Airwaves

As I'm sure that you are aware, the issue of anti social behaviour is high on the political agenda. During the recent local elections, the issue was also high on the agenda on the doorsteps.

Until relatively recently, key members of the local community had access to the mobile phone numbers of the police who were on duty, so if any incidents occurred they could gain access to the police quickly and get a rapid reaction, rather than going through an 0845 number.

These mobile phones have been replaced by the Airwave system. This system, unfortunately is no match for the old mobile phone system, and I fear that as a result many incidents of anti social behaviour may be going unreported.

I would welcome your initial thoughts on how access to the Police can be improved so that low levels of anti-social behaviour can be tackled.

Councillor Darling said: "The previous mobile phone system worked well, and ensured that incidents of anti social behaviour could be dealt with quickly. Unfortunately the new airwaves system is a step backwards and could be leading to many incidents going unreported which is bad news for our local communities. I contacted the previous chief constable on this issue, and I hope that the new Chief Constable can ensure a successful outcome to this matter."