Paul Sanford emphasized that a focus on the number of police officers should be reassessed. He advocates for fewer officers complemented by advanced technology to improve crime-fighting capabilities. If given the choice, he said he would prefer to employ more support staff and utilize technology, which could free officers' time and enhance visibility in the community. This shift would not only increase effectiveness but also align better with the public's policing expectations.
Sanford pointed out the current bureaucracy that ties police budgets to officer numbers, arguing that this model hampers innovation in policing. By removing rigid officer minimum requirements, forces could direct funds towards much-needed technology, enabling them to deliver services more efficiently to victims and communities. This could lead ultimately to more officers on the streets, as resources would be better allocated to frontline activities rather than being strictly tied to officer count.
Collection
[
|
...
]