Liz joins local police on the beat

2.35.45pm GMT Mon 7th Dec 2009

Liz Leffman, Meon Valley's prospective Lib Dem MP, has recently been out twice on patrol with local police teams in the Waterlooville, Horndean and Clanfield area. Her aim has been to meet local police officers and to see at first hand the challenges they face in our area.

"What I saw was quite a lot of anti-social behaviour" said Liz, "We need to tackle this head on, and work with youngsters to keep our streets safe for everyone."

As well as accompanying police officers on a night-time patrol, Liz also attended a Young PCSO meeting at Horndean Technical College, a scheme that has been set up by the local PCSO team to encourage good relations between police and students from schools in the Horndean area.

Liz was recently shocked by fact that Hampshire police hold DNA samples for more than 35,000 young people, some as young as 10 years old. She believes that this is a step too far.

"What I saw when out in our area is a practical approach by police to the problem." said Liz "Most of our young people are well-behaved and considerate, and it's important that we recognise this and do not tar all youngsters with the same brush. The police know how to deal with the small number that do cause trouble, but we need a visible police presence on our streets. Where we have this, it works."

"The Lib Dems want to see more bobbies on the beat to deter crime instead of ineffective, intrusive, illiberal and hugely expensive New Labour gimmicks like ID cards and DNA databases."