4:59pm Friday 12th March 2010
I am writing in response to the article headed “Police spend millions on free housing” (The Argus, March 9) by your chief reporter, Emily Walker.
The indication in this article is that these police officers are doing something wrong. When they joined Sussex Police in 1994 (pre-August 31) or before, the free “rent allowance” was part of their contract.
This contract was binding and would continue until the said officer left the Sussex Police. These officers are not committing a MP expenses scandal-style offence.
The writer seems to suggest, whether she meant it or not, that they were doing something unacceptable. The article goes on to imply it is these officers’ fault that it is costing the Sussex Force more than £3 million and that they are being held responsible for police jobs being cut.
The stupid part of this article is at the end when it asks readers the question: “What do you think? Tell us at theargus.co.uk/news”. This is surely indicating the media is trying to stir up something which isn’t there.
But it doesn’t stop there, as The Argus vents its feelings again on page 8 under the heading: “Argus Comment”.
Come on, Argus, is this really earth-shattering news?
When there is something to gripe about regarding some police action you should give it as much space as you can and I am the first to criticise the police when they get it wrong. They certainly are not as efficient as they used to be and on that point I may be one of their fiercest critics.
But the space you are using about a lawful allowance is quite pathetic. It maybe wasn’t so long ago when the police forces allowed certain other allowances. These covered such things as bikes, batteries, typewriters and boots.
I am sure The Argus would have had a field day writing about funding for a typewriter or a bike allowance.
Yes, believe me, there were such things. I am sure there will be letters in the future spelling out why these officers should lose their allowances. Another unnecessary swipe at the local police.
David Rowland
Telscombe Cliffs, Peacehaven
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.theargus.co.uk/trade_directory/