NORTH Yorkshire Chief Constable Della Cannings was wrong to raise the issue of funding the force through charging us for non-emergency phone calls (February 11).

But the problem is not her fault - it is caused by the law and courts.

It is the job of the police to catch the law-breakers and I think, on the whole, they do a good job with the resources they have.

But once the criminal is caught the sentence rarely fits the crime, they get out of custody then the police must catch them again.

No wonder they are stretched to the limit. If these criminals were sentenced the way they should be there would be a real crime deterrent and the police would be free to do an even better job, hence no further funding to raise through tax, or calls upon their services, would be necessary.

K Harris,

Queenswood Grove,

Acomb, York.

...I recently attended a local community police meeting and a member of the public brought up the inevitable question of council tax increases.

I said how alarmed I was to see how Ryedale ratepayers now view Chief Constable Cannings.

I said I was worried by how North Yorkshire Police are alienating themselves from the people who fund their activities.

I am concerned by the way in which my family and friends now refer to the police.

This has mainly arisen because of the barmy suggestions reputedly coming from our chief constable. No, Mrs Cannings, we don't believe the police should get priority healthcare.

I urge her to stop and think before she speaks again. We expect better of our chief constable. All we want is to feel safe in our homes and outside. Ryedale is not an inner city and should be policed without all this silliness.

Sue Cowan,

High Street,

Thornton-le-Dale, Pickering.

...WHY all the fuss over 'Della's phone folly'. Just send a letter second class. It's cheaper and quicker. Problem solved.

Paul Clark,

Kitchener Street,

Huntington Road, York.

Updated: 11:43 Tuesday, February 17, 2004