Labour-LibDem Exec’s Crime Policy In Meltdown

For immediate release: Sunday 9th July 2006

Attn:  NEWSDESKS
 POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS

LABOUR-LIBDEM EXEC’S CRIME POLICY IN MELTDOWN

ADDICT’S CHILDREN PLAN IS DESPERATE & UNWORKABLE

The Labour-LibDem Executive’s policies in the fight against crime are in meltdown says SNP Shadow deputy Minister for Justice, Stewart Stevenson MSP, after another senior policeman criticised their over-emphasis on using Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).

Chief superintendent John Pollock, of Strathclyde Police has joined Chief Constable David Strang of Dumfries and Galloway in criticising the Executive’s use of ASBOs as a magic solution to fighting crime.

In a related development Mr Stevenson has also described Labour plans to make drug addicts sign contracts that they would not have children until they had kicked their habit, or lose any benefits they claim, as “unworkable” and “a sign of desperation” as their crime policy has gone into meltdown.

Commenting Mr Stevenson said:

“Chief Superintendent Pollock has exposed how the Executive’s crime policy is in meltdown. Their efforts are increasingly desperate as they resort to gimmicks and headline grabbing to offset what the police and public really know what is happening on our streets.

“They have failed to develop any underlying policies or provide the resources that will really tackle crime. We need to be investing more in police and policing than on gimmicks that massage the figures.

“By using ASBOs to keep the statistics down they are sending out the wrong message. It is much like Blair’s Respect Agenda which describes throwing a brick through someone’s window as ‘disrespectful’ and ‘inconsiderate’. It is a crime and downplaying it as anti-social sends out mixed messages.

“Their headline grabbing proposal to make drug addicts sign a contract not to have children or lose their benefits is just part of that meltdown in their crime policy. It is not only desperate but unworkable.

“It will drive addicts out the system and create greater problems. Addicts live chaotic lives and would be likely to sign anything if they thought it would get them the help they wish for.

“Since the numbers involved would also be small in comparison to the population it is yet another example of headline grabbing spin that fails to address the wider criminal behaviour going on in society.”

ENDS