I was very sad as I am sure many of the supporters of our police section in York will be to hear of the breakdown of communications of two well-decorated and well-respected police officers (Evening Press, May 7).

I wish there could be public meetings to bring a better understanding about what is happening regarding policing policy and what's gone wrong. These issues should not be discussed behind closed doors.I had occasion to write to Superintendent Jim Kilmartin to thank him for something I have not seen since the old days of "Dixon of Dock Green" - actually to see our local community policeman laughing and mixing with residents on our estate.

That must be the best of policing.

It was a breath of fresh air and gave hope to many who would like to see the old style of policing return.

I wish we could somehow bring this to a conclusion by further discussions before any officer retires.

It is a loss to our community which we can ill afford to let happen.

Keith Chapman,

Nunnery Area Residents Association,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.