Our Police Service is simply inadequate for its role.

And yet the PM tells them to Arrest and imprison "keyboard warriors!"

Our police force currently consists of more managers and support staff than frontline police officers with full arrest powers. Criminals often disregard Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) as they lack the authority to apprehend them, making them ineffective in deterring criminal behaviour. However, PCSOs have a crucial role in supporting frontline officers by managing crime scenes and enabling police officers to focus on core duties.

The process of arrest and detention demands substantial reforms. After making an arrest, officers spend hours completing paperwork at the station, limiting their availability for patrolling the streets. Adequate funding and resources are essential for community policing to thrive. In many areas, the presence of both PCSOs and police officers is scarce unless a crime has occurred, highlighting the need for enhanced police visibility.

To make a tangible impact, it is imperative to increase the number of police officers and pause PCSO recruitment until optimal staffing levels are reached. National police services urgently require additional funding, which should primarily be allocated toward recruiting more officers rather than expanding support staff.

Under the previous Conservative government, crime rates have not experienced a notable decline. Instances of knife crime are escalating, leading to a concerning trend where young individuals feel compelled to carry knives for personal safety. This normalisation of violence among youth is unacceptable and warrants immediate attention. The number of recent knife crime attacks and deaths due to knives is soaring under the new Labour government, who think it best practice to keep Police officers off the street behind a PC looking for tweeters and other posts on social media and then arresting them! yes, that's right Keir Starmer would rather someone get locked up, remanded in custody and receive a prison sentence for social media posts, than having Police officers on the street trying to prevent knife crime.

The current criminal justice system is often criticised for being lenient, with offenders perceiving minimal repercussions for their actions. External influences, such as European court interventions, have diminished deterrence measures. Magistrates and judges face pressure from the woke brigade who prioritise leniency, discouraging them from imposing appropriate sentences in line with the severity of the crime committed to the extent that a school teacher who sexually assaulted a 12yr old female pupil did NOT receive a prison sentence as "his wife didn't speak English" A scout club leader who sexually assaulted boys who attended the club was let off with a suspended sentence because the Judge felt sorry for him as "his wife had left him" GOOD on her I say, and SHAME on the Judges, how would you like it if it happened to one of your family? I am sure your stance would be different wouldn't it #TwoTierJustice

Prisons or Holiday camps?

It is crucial to urgently review and adjust prison sentences to ensure they are proportionate to the crimes committed. Prison should be a place that individuals fear returning to, as this is essential in deterring future criminal behaviour. The current prison system is not an effective form of punishment due to its leniency.

Although inmates are provided with necessities such as regular meals and heating, they also get televisions and gaming consoles, and wait for it! in some prisons, they were given mobile phones due to COVID-19. the relatively comfortable conditions raise questions about the effectiveness of prison as a deterrent or disciplinary measure. The presence of illegal drugs within Prisons remains a significant concern despite the strict security measures in place, including visitor screenings, metal detectors, and drug detection dogs. These challenges underscore the critical need for substantial reforms within the prison system.

One essential step would be for the government to take over the management of all high-security prisons (Category A, B, and C) to create a more controlled and secure environment. Privately operated prisons are often criticized for being too lax, offering inmates excessive liberties for the convenience of the staff. However, private companies could still be involved in running open prisons and aiding individuals in their reintegration process as they approach the end of their sentences.

To tackle the issues within the prison system effectively, it is imperative to enhance educational and vocational training opportunities for prisoners to reduce reoffending rates. Providing mental health support and meaningful addiction treatment services within prisons is vital for rehabilitation and preparing inmates for a successful return to society upon their release.

In addition, establishing stronger support systems for ex-convicts, such as transitional housing initiatives and job placement programs, plays a critical role in lowering re-offending rates. A collaborative effort involving government bodies, non-profit organizations, and local communities is essential for a holistic approach to reforming the criminal justice system. Otherwise they will just keep bouncing back like rubber bands.