PRESS RELEASE

August 14th, 2008

McNeil admits concern over police resources

Greenock MSP Duncan McNeil has expressed concern that the area’s top cop feels his team are being handicapped by a lack of resources.

Chief Constable Stephen House, of Strathclyde Police, spoke out this week against government plans to cut our prison population by offering up more community-based disposals for convicted criminals.

He insists he doesn’t have the manpower to supervise offenders who have been given community sentences.

In particular, Chief Constable House singled out the release of violent offenders, amounting to tens of thousands in Strathclyde alone, as a worry for his police force.

His comments have alarmed local MSP Duncan McNeil, who is concerned the lack of resources could impact in his constituency of Greenock and Inverlcyde, which falls within Strathclyde’s remit.

He called on the government to heed the warnings and abandon plans to release violent offenders in the community with upping police numbers.

Mr McNeil said: “I commend Chief Constable House for speaking out and if a man in his position feels compelled to speak out on this, then people must listen.

“We have major challenges ahead when it comes to managing our prison population and no one wants to see the ‘daft laddie’ type get locked up for next to nothing.

“But violent offenders are a different story and if they are to be put back on the streets just to saves money then there will be another cost – a cost to everyday people who will be put at risk.

“This government has to decide whether to pay for prisons or pay for police officers as they previously promised – they can’t do without both.”

ENDS