In response to Ken Scaife's letter (Where Are All The Police? April 14), I would like to point out some facts.

The police in North Yorkshire attend and deal with all serious crimes.

We do not "fob off" victims simply with an incident number. In addition, we deploy specialist resources such as crime scene investigators to the scene of every burglary dwelling.

Crimes in the Central Area (York and Selby) have fallen by nearly 7,000 offences over the past two years.

That is not as a result of inefficient use of resources.

In 2005/6 our call handling performance was among the best in the country and, in terms of detections, we are in the top quartile of all forces in England and Wales.

In the Central Area, I would point out there has also been a significant reduction in the last year of fatal accidents.

This is due to some excellent work undertaken by our road policing officers supported by specialist departments and external agencies.

Fatal accidents are difficult and complex scenes to manage.

The police are required to preserve the scene to ensure that evidence is secured, clearly protect and preserve life and manage other members of the public in a safe and appropriate manner.

In addition, incidents of this nature often require major investigations which ultimately end in a coroner's court or the crown court.

I have responded to this letter as Central Area commander and used facts that relate both to my area and to North Yorkshire Police as a whole.

I would note for the benefit of readers that Garrowby Hill is part of the Humberside policing area.

Chief Supt Tim Madgwick,

Area Commander,

North Yorkshire Police,

Fulford Road police station,

York.

Updated: 09:48 Friday, April 21, 2006