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Police commisioner’s pledge on alcohol

Sean Keywood Thursday, December 13, 2012
1:21 PM

Devon and Cornwall’s new Police and Crime Commissioner says that tackling alcohol misuse will be one of his top priorities.

Tony Hogg made the pledge after a fact-finding visit to Plymouth where he spent several hours on the front line with officers during the late night and early morning shift.

Commissioner Hogg said: “Alcohol misuse, for me, is way up at the top of the list of issues because of the damage it can do in terms of wider violence, the effect on children and the pressure it puts on the police service.

“Alcohol in moderation is fine. I hope that everyone has a great time, particularly over the Christmas period, but when alcohol is misused, it consumes resources in a huge way.

“It puts a strain on the police, hospitals and social services, and there’s a direct correlation with domestic violence and other forms of violence. We need to understand that when alcohol is used in an inappropriate way the cost is enormous.”