Sussex Police may sell off books (From The Argus)

Sussex Police may sell off books

10:40am Saturday 17th November 2012 in News By Anna Roberts, Crime reporter

Cash-strapped Sussex Police is considering selling its library books and stopping its magazine subscriptions.

The force, which needs to save £55m by 2015, is looking at cutting its £12,000 annual subscriptions to magazines.

It may also raise funds from book sales, which could be used to buy more computers.

The plan to sell books from the library, based at Sussex Police headquarters at Lewes, was revealed in force committee papers.

Minutes from the meeting read: “Superintendent Laurence Taylor updated the group that the decision has been made for the library to stop their book orders and magazine/newspaper subscriptions.

“There is currently a £12,000 budget in place for books and newspapers.

“It was decided to stop all subscriptions with Deputy Chief Constable Giles York’s agreement unless it is really obvious Sussex Police needs it.

“Supt Taylor explained that it is currently being considered what to do with all the books etc.”

Book review

Author Sussex crime author Peter James, who has a close relationship with the force, said: “I hope they don’t cancel their subscription to The Argus. It’s the bible of Brighton and Hove.

“It’s typical of this Government and what this anti-police government is doing.

“This government puts no value of what the police really does and Sussex Police tries its best.

“Like all writers I want all libraries to survive in all forms.”

A Sussex Police spokes-man said: “It has been decided to cease ordering magazines and journals on law-related topics for the headquarter’s library only.

“We are also reviewing the current stock of books in the library to assess the best means of making them available elsewhere in the force and of possibly disposing of some. We are also looking at ways in which information sources can be accessed on-line.”

He said that the decision will not affect newspapers, which were referred to by error in the minutes.

He added: “The decisions won't adversely affect the force’s ability for academic study and research, as the books currently available are also available to borrow via an on-line catalogue from the Bramshill National Police Library.”

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