Policing in the 21st Century Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Home Office

Policing in the 21st Century

Mary Macleod Excerpts
Monday 26th July 2010

(14 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Baroness May of Maidenhead Portrait Mrs May
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

The police have been undermined by the way in which Whitehall has set them targets, and by having to look constantly to Whitehall in relation to what they do. Instead, they should respond to the needs of people in their local area. We are strengthening the ability of police to fight crime, slashing bureaucracy and enabling police officers to get out on to the streets, where the public want to see them.

Mary Macleod Portrait Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con)
- Hansard - -

Does the Home Secretary agree that the 101 phone number is an important tool in understanding real levels of crime, and that it is also effective in helping police officers to know where to tackle the problem areas in the community?

Baroness May of Maidenhead Portrait Mrs May
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

My hon. Friend makes an extremely valid point. The 101 phone number is important, and that is why we are considering introducing it nationally. The information that we will make available about crime at street level will also be important in helping people to tackle crime locally.