Labour Party Conference (held at Gateshead Sage) while travelling by ‘bus to Newcastle today (12noon Sat. 12.2.05) I was given a clue why the publicised cost is a massive £3 million – while passing through Hill St. (only about 30 – 40 yds. Long) I was shocked to see 10 (ten) police officers on duty on this short stretch of road – were they guarding the Sage or waiting to ‘do’ drinkers from the Station or Central pubs?      How can this blatant waste of police manpower, and local taxes, be justified?      Within minutes another fellow passenger drew my attention to the St. Mary’s Churchyard (right side of Tyne Bridge) where another two officers were lingering among the gravestones - one actually leaning against a headstone – the other passenger and I sat back shaking our heads in disbelief trying hard not to laugh.    Perhaps it was a blessing that I did not have my camcorder with me as I would have been tempted to record these incredible incidents…….but why risk being arrested?     

ARE YOU THERE MR. STRACHEN (Northumbria Chief Constable) - ARE YOU AWAKE - WIDE AWAKE - ARE YOU TAKING NOTICE - DO YOU CARE ABOUT REAL CRIME - DO YOU HAVE FULL CONTROL YOUR OFFICERS - DO YOU CARE HOW THEY CONDUCT THEMSELVES - ARE THEY TAUGHT & INSTRUCTED TO UPSET AND                            ALIENATE THE LAW-ABIDING PUBLIC?         

I thought it necessary to pose the above questions after reading of the 'apple-welding' lady of Hebburn who was fined £60 by the South Tyneside Court after being arrested by one of your officers.    I feel sure every penny of this £60 fine will be collected simply because this young lady had the good sense to make a stand against 'police stupidity'.     Few will disagree that 'real crime' is ignored by officers who prefer the 'easy' soft-touch arrest - and this is always against the motorist and law-abiding, and there is little wonder many have lost faith and trust in our police forces.   Alienating the law-abiding is a crime in itself, and the Chief Officer must be held entirely responsible for the actions of his officers.    MR. STRACHEN, WOULD YOU DARE PUT A PRICE ON THIS RECENT STUPID, HIGH-HANDED, ESCAPADE........PLEASE......just for all the poor local tax-payers who pay for all your mishaps and such.        

It has been suggested that I should invite Conscientious Serving Police Officers to write-in with advice on how savings can be made - how can we make our Police Service more efficient - they must know best - do Senior Officers do enough to deserve the 'cream'?   Come on let's have your opinions.

Any information would be deeply appreciated - it is much safer and more private to contact me by E-Mail        -       Jimrichy@hotmail.com