Crime Commissioner talks police finances with Lichfield Civic Society

The improving state of police finances have been highlighted by Staffordshire’s Crime Commissioner in a talk to the Lichfield Civic Society.

Matthew Ellis was a guest speaker at the group’s meeting last week and discussed his decision to cancel planned cuts to neighbourhood policing.

He said: “Over the last 18 months I’ve found police in Staffordshire do a good job. What they don’t do is spend money well and that’s where the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner and my small team of professionals have been able to make significant savings by doing things differently.

“Already we’ve been able to cancel cuts to neighbourhood policing and later this year, vast improvements in technology will see thousands of hours of police time freed up, meaning more police officers will be out on the streets being visible instead of at a desk accessing police systems and completing paperwork.”

John Thompson, Chairman of Lichfield Civic Society added: “Matthew Ellis gave a very impressive, honest and open insight into his work.

“It was also encouraging to hear his views about mergers and the case for maintaining the Staffordshire Police service as a separate force.”

Talking about the event, Mr Ellis added: “The members gave me a really warm welcome and I thoroughly enjoyed the two hours questions and answers on the work we’re doing in Staffordshire.”