NO ONE could accuse Della Cannings of keeping a low profile.

North Yorkshire's Chief Constable believes in highly visible policing and she puts herself up there for all to see, even making an impromptu arrest when required.

Most of all, Ms Cannings places herself in the firing line every time she asks for more money to run her police force. She is at it again, with a request for funds that could see council tax payers facing an increase of up to 20 per cent in their contributions which is seven times the rate of inflation.

Ms Cannings has put forward three options to the Police Authority for next year's budget. A "standstill budget" would require a rise of ten per cent; a "required growth budget" would see an increase of 15 per cent; and a "significant growth" settlement would demand a rise of 20 per cent.

Many householders will be alarmed to hear of further rises in the police precept, which they pay as part of their council tax bills. This is especially so because last year's precept went up by a whopping 76 per cent. That was the highest increase in the police precept in England and Wales and it netted North Yorkshire police an extra £13 million.

That bonus appears to have been put to good use in modernising the force. It also helped fund a continued push for better results, spearheaded by Operation Delivery, an initiative in front-line policing.

North Yorkshire Police were strapped for cash when Ms Cannings took over and she clearly saw raising extra funds as a priority. Last year's cash boost certainly seems to be bringing results, both on the front line and in raising efficiency behind the scenes.

We acknowledge that Ms Cannings has a difficult job to do. If the suggested rises bring genuine improvements, and put more bobbies on the beat, we believe this will be money well spent.

Ms Cannings' results must demonstrate to Yorkshire people we are getting real value for money.

Updated: 11:02 Wednesday, November 19, 2003