Privatisation?

Here is the gist of an email doing the rounds:

Dear Sir,

Please will you let me know where you stand on the following subjects:

1. Privatisation of police sevices.

2. The use of security companies such as G4S.

3. Your connection with commercial security companies.

Yours faithfully,

Here is my answer:

Thank you for your email. I am against privatising core police services. Policing is a public service, paid for by the taxpayer for the benefit of all. I will keep it that way, if I am elected.

Sometimes outsourcing back office roles like administration, maintenance or IT can save money for the frontline. If it means more officers on the beat, I think that is a good thing and will look at it.

I do not have connections with companies who might be seeking contracts.

Kind regards,

Christopher Salmon