text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Opposition Day - [4th Allotted Day] - Crime and Policing
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  The majority of MPs voted to reject criticism of the government's policy to cut police numbers and establish elected police chiefs. 
   
  The text of the rejected motion was as follows:
  
  :That this House
  
  * ''notes with concern'' the Government's failure to prioritise the safety of communities by not protecting central Government funding for the police; 
  * ''notes'' the conclusion of the Audit Commission and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary that any budget reduction over 12 per cent. will reduce frontline policing; pays tribute to the police and other agencies for achieving a 43 per cent. reduction in crime, including a 42 per cent. cut in violent crime, since 1997, and for maintaining that reduction through last year's recession; 
  * ''notes'' that public perception of anti-social behaviour is at its lowest level since it was recorded in the British Crime Survey of 2001-02; 
  * ''further notes'' that the previous Government set out plans in its Policing White Paper to drive down policing costs whilst maintaining core funding; and 
  * ''condemns the Government's policy'' of reducing police numbers, restricting police powers and imposing elected commissioners to replace police authorities, thus condemning the police service to unnecessary, unwelcome and costly re-structuring at a time when their focus should be on maintaining the fall in crime and anti-social behaviour.
  
  
  
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  