WITH reference to the search continuing for a chief constable to lead North Yorkshire Police, the mystery remains as to why temporary chief constable Tim Madgwick has not been appointed.

Meaning no disrespect to the selection panel, salary is not the issue. Experience or working at the pointed end; knowledge of the policing area involved; and, most of all, commitment and respect held by those you command is key when dealing with crime and disorder.

Having served within the police service between 1955 and 1982, both in York and the Metropolitan Police, and being an old sweat supporter of capital punishment for recidivist law breakers and/or life imprisonment meaning what it says, I suspect my curriculum vitae would not curry favour in the present climate.

However, the fact remains that law and order, coupled with the NHS, will always remain the primary objects for any civilised society.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.

 

• WITH reference to the article in The Press of February 15, headlined Police freeze opposed, Coun Fitzpatrick and the Labour councillors said they would vote for a small increase in the precept to maintain frontline police numbers.

How odd, because for the past two years the precept has been frozen, with 1,400 officers maintained. So one can only assume some sort of political move. To add to the strangeness, the PCC proposed a precept of some £56 million for 2013/14, a reduction of £4 million-plus and duly passed on February 4. It would seem Labour’s thinking is out of step with public needs.

P Richardson, York Road, Haxby, York.