We also need investment in forensics if we are to reverse historically low conviction rates

26 July 2019

The new prime minister has announced the recruitment of 20,000 police officers but without investment in other services it will have limited impact.

Garry Graham, Prospect deputy general secretary, said:

“It is welcome that the government is reversing some of the cuts to policing, but increasing police officer numbers will have limited impact unless it is matched by a corresponding increase in funding for support staff and technology.

“Police staff and services like police forensics, which are also vital to fighting crime, have also been hugely cut back or privatised in many areas over the past decade.

“Recent reports from both the forensic science regulator and the Lords science and technology committee have warned that forensic science desperately needs more resources.

“With conviction rates slumped to a historic low simply ‘more bobbies on the beat’ will not address this issue alone. High quality forensics and investing in the legal and judicial process is what secures convictions. We need a thought-through and considered approach, not simply soundbites.”

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