?1.8m could be used for dedicated police officers at RAF Scampton

Lincolnshire Police[1] is considering whether to use £1.8m in extra funding to station dedicated officers at RAF Scampton[2] to support the housing of asylum seekers. The force was granted additional support by the Home Office in July to help deal with any potential challenges stemming from the planned accommodation of 2,000 men.

With the first wave set to arrive in October[3], the money is still awaiting allocation. Deputy Chief Constable Julia Debenham, of Lincolnshire Police, said: "This funding will bolster our operational capability, support neighbourhood policing, and meet ongoing demands, including the new immigration facility at Scampton.

"The role of policing in this country is to protect people and their property by maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and helping our communities to feel safe. We are currently assessing the requirement for a dedicated resource there."

Poll: Are you worried about the asylum seeker plans?[4]

The £1.8m fund forms part of a larger £3.8m financial support package secured by Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones. The force plans to use the fund for recruitment, training, and equipment. Mr Jones said at the time: "The financial support offered means the Chief Constable can recruit front-line officers for Lincolnshire and continue in keeping our communities feeling and being safe,” he said.

"We are acutely aware of the heightened concerns of residents in and around the Scampton area and this funding will allow the Chief Constable to support those communities." The funding will also support digital advancements to help prevent and tackle crime across the county, allowing officers to spend less time at their desks and more time in the community.

But while the financial support was welcomed, it does not necessarily shield the force from cost pressures and tough financial decisions. The decision to use RAF Scampton as an immigration centre has long been controversial with residents and politicians alike.

In July, the High Court granted West Lindsey District Council permission to proceed to a full judicial review of the Home Office's plan[5], which the authority believes is unlawful. Campaigners have raised safety fears over the influx of young men to the area, both to the community itself and to the asylum seekers if they decide to walk into or out of Lincoln[6] along the busy A15.

Protestors opposing the plans have staged demonstrations in the streets of Lincoln, clashing peacefully against groups such as Lincolnshire Stand Up to Racism, who welcome the refugees. The National Support Detachment, an anti-asylum seeker group associated with firebrand Alek Yerbury, will be staging a campout by RAF Scampton in mid-August[7].

References

  1. ^ Lincolnshire Police (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  2. ^ RAF Scampton (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  3. ^ first wave set to arrive in October (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  4. ^ Are you worried about the asylum seeker plans? (xd.wayin.com)
  5. ^ proceed to a full judicial review of the Home Office's plan (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  6. ^ Lincoln (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  7. ^ staging a campout by RAF Scampton in mid-August (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)

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