§ 24. Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the role of uniformed local authority patrols in crime prevention. [53533]
§ Mr. MichaelIntelligent use of patrol is an important part of the police function. Community schemes, including uniformed local authority patrols, can make a welcome contribution to community safety as a complement to, not a substitute for, the work of the police. Use of a distinctive uniform or dress code can help public confidence, provided it is recognised that the public must be able clearly to identify who is a uniformed constable and who is not.