Police Targets

BBC NEWS | Politics | Targets 'push bobbies off beat'

Too many bobbies are being forced off the beat and into offices as a result of the government's law and order targets, says the Police Federation.

Chairman of the federation which represents rank and file officers, Jan Berry, spoke before the home secretary addresses its conference in Blackpool.

"Too many police officers are in offices trying to work out statistics," she told BBC News.

Charles Clarke will use his speech to outline his police reform plans.

Ms Berry has already indicated she will warn him that more consultation with her members is needed on the matter.

The home secretary will also outline his vision of neighbourhood policing at the event.

"Hello. You have dialled 999 Police Emergency response line. I'm sorry, we can't come the phone at the moment as all of our officers are busy filling out forms. Please leave you name, number and the details your crime in progress after the beep and we promise to get back to you as soon as possible.

Beeeeeeep...."