I WAS somewhat amazed to read that civilian police officers have been asked to provide extra security at military bases across the country because MOD police have been sent to war zones and that the cost is being met by North Yorkshire Police (November 7).

Assuming these bases are not totally devoid of military personnel, surely it is possible for them to carry out their own security duties.

After all, is that not what they are effectively doing in Iraq and other countries where they are stationed?

Richard Starks,

The Green, Elvington, York.

Updated: 09:59 Thursday, November 13, 2003