UNISON Cymru / Wales’s regional council today unanimously voted to fight Gwent police’s decision to replace 15 custody detention officers with police officers.
Linda Sweet, UNISON national executive council member, said: “Gwent police have failed to consult with the public on this issue and have also failed to acknowledge the true cost that this will have. Clearly the financial cost of the custody service is going to rise by employing police officers instead of police staff, and this is without taking into account the cost to the community.”
Margaret Thomas, UNISON Cymru / Wales regional secretary, said: “This is not just about our members, this is about the levels of police support for the public, as police officers will be taken off the streets to process those arrested, a role which is currently being undertaken by skilled staff, many of them UNISON members.
“Today’s decision taken by UNISON members from throughout Wales is a clear indication that UNISON is not prepared to sit back and take this without a fight and the campaign to stop police cuts will be increased in Gwent and across the rest of Wales.”