Who is kidding whom? I remember when the Littlehampton police station never closed

I RECENTLY read an article stating that there are now more police officers in the Sussex constabulary than ever before.

Can this really be so?

During the 1960s I served in Littlehampton, when the police station was in Gloucester Road. The station never closed.

A typical night shift comprised one constable at the enquiry desk and a minimum of four officers on the beat, either on foot or bicycle.

In addition, a duty sergeant toured each beat.

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An inspector was on duty until 2am, two CID officers were on call all night, plus traffic patrol officers in Jaguar cars.

Surrounding villages each had their own "bobby" who lived on site and whose local knowledge was invaluable.

First and foremost in those far-off days, the job of the police force was the prevention and detection of crime.

Where are the record numbers of officers?

They are certainly not out on the streets.

Surely the missing officers are not all attending equality/diversity/racial awareness courses at the same time?

Who is kidding whom? What in the world is going on?

Name and address

supplied, Littlehampton

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