MAJOR reorganisation to North Yorkshire Police will be scrutinised by City of York Council.

Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan and Chief Constable Dave Jones announced a £10million investment in the force earlier this month, with changes to force areas and policing teams also planned.

Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing said: “We remain to be convinced that officers will actually spend a great deal more of their time out in communities, welcome though that would be. Using newer technology should free up some time but I think it is questionable how much more.

I spoke with the Police and Crime Commissioner last week to get her assurances that this model will deliver what she is saying it will, and that frontline policing levels will be protected. The neighbourhood policing model is proven and has helped to reduce crime in our city so we will seriously scrutinise proposals as they come forward.

“I have a concern that with frequent reorganisations, continuity and effectiveness is compromised as local people and partners are unclear who in the police they are working with. I raised this point with the commissioner and I hope she takes it on board.”