KEETCH QUESTIONS WEST MERCIA POLICE TRAINING EXPENDITURE

5.42.22pm GMT Tue 29th Nov 2005

Paul Keetch, Lib Dem MP for Hereford, has questioned the reason behind West Mercia Police spending £200,000 on training 999 staff by a specialist customer care 'guru' from New York, Janet Gober.

"If the Chief Constable felt this training was essential I would like to know why trainers could not have been recruited from other Police forces with relevant knowledge," the MP commented.

"The Police cannot be categorised alongside retail or commercial outlets that might benefit from the 'Gober' method. I would prefer to see such funding go to more officers on the beat and recruiting Community Support Officers.

"A greater Police presence is what my constituents ask for - there have been no complaints passing through my office about the 999 service."