Tories vow to cut police red tape

Crime is the focus on day three of the Conservative conference in Birmingham. The Tories want to give "have a go" heroes greater protection from arrest and prosecution. They also want police to be freed from health and safety red tape. Shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve will pledge to change the "dangerous" rules which "undermine public confidence". A recent case saw officers radio for help instead of trying to save a drowning boy because they were not trained in water rescue. In another case a woman shot and seriously hurt was left waiting for help as police stood outside because of health and safety fears. The proposed changes would prevent another force facing a Jean Charles de Menezes-style prosecution under health and safety laws. Sources said the legislation was being misused and could lead to "defensive policing" in high pressure situations. Mr Grieve will tell the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham: "Health and safety legislation is holding police officers back and making them more risk-averse." "We now have a health and safety regime which is so stifling that it delayed armed officers attending the victims of a shooting for an hour after the gunman had fled but prosecuted them for mistakes made during the heat of a counter-terrorism operation." The changes would ensure commanders could put the safety of the public above the safety of their officers. Mr Grieve will also announce plans to stop so-called "have-a-go heroes" being arrested. He will accuse the Government of creating a "walk-on-by society" and pledge to stop cases where people who try to make citizens arrests are themselves prosecuted. "It's our duty to help, not hinder, active citizens," he will say.

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ITN | September 30, 2008

Tags:. .public. .left. .force. .woman. .waiting