UP TO 200 police officers could be switched from administration duties to policing North Yorkshire - if the public is prepared to pay for it.

That's the message from new Chief Constable Della Canning, who spelled out what could be achieved by the force in the year ahead.

A standstill budget would effectively mean the force could not operate at the same level as this year, because of inflation, she said. A 60p rise per week in council tax would be needed to provide a level service. A 90p rise would offer "some options to move the force forward". But a rise of £1.30 would bring "better options" including swifter call-out times. The Evening Press has reported complaints from readers in recent months about response times.

Ms Canning told a meeting of North Yorkshire editors that the higher precept would enable the force to streamline its systems for dealing with sickness, overtime and leave claims. This would free up time for up to 200 police officers "to go outside and provide more visible policing". She said she wanted police officers to spend more time out in their communities, working with other agencies to tackle crime. Being proactive in the fight against crime should reduce demands on the police in the long run. However, she acknowledged that council tax rises that were well above inflation were particularly difficult for people on fixed incomes, such as pensioners.

The Chief Constable is speaking at a series of public meetings in North Yorkshire to explain the position to residents and to listen to their views. The North Yorkshire Police Authority will set the precept for the year ahead when it meets in York on February 10.

Updated: 16:21 Tuesday, January 21, 2003