A GOVERNMENT report which says neighbourhood policing could be further eroded, has been attacked by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

The national report by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) graded Hampshire Police as good overall, but warned that neighbourhood policing was under threat.

Hampshire PCC Simon Hayes said: “Neighbourhood policing has been decimated because forces have had government grants cut in excess of 20 per cent.

“Any “sleepwalking” away from communities is caused, by government policy and ideological thinking.

“Neighbourhood policing was a ‘red line’ for me when I was elected as Police and Crime Commissioner.

“I am committed to having a police presence in our neighbourhoods which is why I have protected PCSOs and will be recruiting 108 new police constables to stop the reduction in numbers that has been forced on us by government.”

HM Inspector of Constabulary Zoë Billingham, who led the inspection, said: “Almost all forces are good at preventing crime and anti social behaviour. But I need to raise a warning flag here.

“Forces’ good performance is at risk if neighbourhood policing is further eroded.

“Neighbourhood police officers have repeatedly said that they are being pulled from their important work in communities to fulfil other duties, like guarding crime scenes, or spending time in stations investigating crimes.

“Losing our eyes and ears in the community is only likely to hamper good performance in preventing crime.

“Police leaders need to take heed of HMIC’s early warning and make sure that neighbourhood policing – the cornerstone of the British policing model, is preserved for future generations.”