We call upon the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) of Leicestershire (Rupert Mathews) to reconsider the proposal to allocate £2 million from the police budget towards hiring private security staff in specific areas. Instead, this significant amount should be invested in recruiting and training fully-fledged police officers who have the authority and skill set required to investigate and apprehend suspects effectively.

Private security staff, unlike police officers, lack the power to investigate crimes or detain suspects. Their role is primarily limited to observation and reporting, necessitating police intervention in the event of a crime. This approach not only leads to delays in response time but also places an unnecessary financial burden on law enforcement resources, as it essentially requires paying twice for the same protective service—once for observation, and again for actual policing action.

Fully trained police officers possess the essential training, authority, and resources to handle a wide variety of situations that private security staff do not, from conducting thorough investigations to detaining suspects lawfully. By investing the £2 million in police officers, there would be an increase in uniformed presence on the streets, improved response times, and a boost in public confidence and community safety.

Statistics consistently show that areas with a higher police presence often experience lower crime rates. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), areas with proactive policing approaches report significant drops in criminal activity and increased public perception of safety.

Reallocating this funding towards police recruitment and training will not only bolster the frontline against crime but also ensure that public funds are used efficiently and effectively. Given the current challenges facing public safety, it is critical that every penny is utilized in a way that maximizes the protection and service offered to the community.

Please join us in urging the PCC to halt plans for diverting these funds to private security staff, and instead, reinvest in our police force to maintain and improve law and order in Leicestershire. Sign this petition to demand a more strategic and beneficial use of the police budget.