Street safety: street patrols can make people feel that their neighbourhoods are safer. But should private security patrols do the job when the police can't?
Article Abstract:
The use of private security firms enable the police to place resources where they are most needed, and private security firms are now being used in public areas, which have traditionally been the sole reserve of the police. Private security patrols have no official guidelines, have no requirement to work with the police and some even employ ex-criminals. The 1996 British Crime Survey found that most people would welcome regular police officers patrolling their local street, and only 14% would be happy with uniformed guards employed by residents. The Association of Chief Police Officers,the Police Superintendents' Association and the Police Federation, do not support private security companies in public areas.
Publication Name: Which?
Subject: Consumer news and advice
ISSN: 0043-4841
Year: 1997
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Make your council work for you: by now, most of us will have our council tax bill. But how much do you know about how your council works? Her's the low-down on local authorities
Article Abstract:
Local authorities are responsible for a wide range of services which may be contracted out to private companies. Decisions within councils are made by councillors, elected to represent certain areas, council officers, who can enforce certain laws, and council committees. Council revenue is partly determined by central government, with the remainder coming from council tax. Councils must, by law, provide certain services, but many councils seek the views of residents on how council money should be spent. Ways of getting results from a council are provided including complaints procedures and campaigning.
Publication Name: Which?
Subject: Consumer news and advice
ISSN: 0043-4841
Year: 1997
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Getting the edge on prices: it seems our supermarket price survey makes stores anxious to do well - to the extent that they alter prices when they think we're coming
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