Would you be willing to pay more to fund extra police officers?

THE story entitled "Have your say on police numbers in Devon and Cornwall - should precept be increased?" appeared in the Courier on Friday, January 11, issue 1224.

THE Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, has launched a poll to establish whether residents in these areas would be willing to pay around 40p a week (around £20 per year) more on their council tax to fund improvements to policing.

The extra funding would provide 85 extra officers, throughout these areas by 2020, as well as the release of 30 experienced officers from back-room duties at police headquarters in Exeter.

Alison says that last year’s increase had provided fast-track officer recruitment, tri-service officers in Cornwall, the provision of body-worn video cameras and 38 armed response officers.

A recent story that appeared in the Courier (January 4) stated that Devon & Cornwall Police force is set to receive a contribution of 3.4 per cent from the Government for 2019/20.

A final decision will be made by Alison Hernandez before February 8. Anyone who would like to make their views on the precept known can complete an online survey at www.devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk or call 01392 225555.

You can also let me know your thoughts. You can contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF or email: [email protected] .

What you told us ...

I would pay that ... as a senior pensioner I would be more than happy to pay that. There are so many break-ins in the town. I would however like the extra to go to our local police force.

Senior Resident, Bow

I don’t mind paying the extra - something has to be done.

Mr A Dance, Crediton

If they can provide us with police to patrol the streets I wouldn’t mind. But it’s more money we have to find on top of all the other price rises.

Crediton Resident

I wouldn’t have a problem with paying more. We should have more working police in Crediton. Tiverton and Exeter get favoured and it takes time to get police officers over to Crediton.

Kevin Browning, Crediton