Make criminals not taxpayers pay for cost of policing

Matt Gallagher

Former Policeman and Lib Dem Police Chief candidate, Matt Gallagher, has slammed his opponents for failing to understand how to fund the Police in Greater Manchester. Some candidates have opposed the reduction to the police budget and plan to lobby the Government for more money. However, Matt has said they are “deceiving the public” because the Police Commissioner can increase Council Tax to make up the short fall. Matt has said instead he will use his 30 years policing experience to cut bureaucracy and have a more efficient and effective police force. Matt is also proposing a change in the law so that criminals should pay the cost of collapsed court trials.

Matt Gallagher, who has 30 years experience of fighting crime in Greater Manchester, said: “As a former frontline police officer I know that there is inefficiency and waste in the system that could be dealt with to fight crime. Some of my opponents are deceiving the public into believing that throwing money at the problem will be a solution. If they believe this they should be honest with Greater Manchester voters and tell them that they could increase their council tax to make up any shortfalls. When people are struggling to make ends meet I think there is a fairer way.”

“64% of witness statements taken by police officers never see the inside of a court. Frontline police officers should be out fighting crime on the streets, not sitting in offices laboriously writing statements.

"Experienced criminals know how to play the system, waiting until the truly last minute before pleading guilty, or failing to turn up for their trial. The cost of this is enormous and falls on taxpayers’ shoulders. I will lobby for a change in the rules so that the Commissioner can pursue the offender for recovery of these unnecessary costs as a ‘civil debt’. I will spend any money recouped on policing and victims services.”