(Cambridge) (Lab):
Q This is a general question for Rob. Throughout the
Bill—and this goes beyond this Bill—the enforcement issues seem
to be difficult. We pass laws, but do not really check whether
they are enforced. In particular, we do not really check whether
those we are asking to enforce—the police, the border agency or
the local authority—have the resources to do it. That is why I am
really glad that you are here. Would you tell us a bit about your
view on that, and whether the Bill will work, in the sense that
the people who are going to enforce it have the resources to do
it?
Rob Taylor, Livestock Priority Delivery Group, National Police
Chiefs’ Council: Absolutely. As I said previously, I think
bridges were crumbling between the police and farming
communities, going back 20 years. Since 2013, I have seen a huge
upsurge in the way in which the police deal with rural and
farming communities. I highlight the fact that there are over 25
rural crime teams, which are expanding week on week. In Wales
alone, we have over 40 dedicated rural officers, and I am dealing
with them, along with four sergeants, as the all Wales crime
co-ordinator. The resources are definitely there. On the 125
cases in North Wales, I can speak with authority as the previous
team manager. Every single case is dealt with professionally and
thoroughly from cradle to grave by a dedicated rural crime
officer, and that is the same for Dyfed-Powys Police, Gwent
Police and South Wales
Police who are currently coming on board. The same
applies to a number of teams that exist throughout England as
well...
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