THE reported message from Chief Constable Della Cannings (January 24) that even more cash from the public would "free up" up to 200 officers to do actual policing provokes a reaction of amusement, bewilderment and anger.

Amusement, because her language on most issues is strictly 21st century... "freeing up", "streamlining", "moving forward" and so on.

She appears to be following the script of top officers on such shows as Insp Frost and Dalziel And Pascoe, characters usually seen as totally out of step with the real world.

Bewilderment, that this seems to be the prime function of a police chief.

And anger that we are obviously expected to pay ever larger precepts for little return.

If the chief constable can "free up" 200 officers if we fork out a further £70, surely this implies she has these officers already but not engaged in catching villains and enforcing the law.

Every opinion poll on the subject makes law and order a top priority. May we have less political correctness and more action, please?

Charles Rushton,

Pasture Close,

Strensall, York.

Updated: 11:12 Monday, January 27, 2003