Give the boys in blue a break

In response to the letter "Not much cop" (17 October, page 24), I wholeheartedly agree that "lower-ranking police officers" treat antisocial behaviour as a low priority. However, surely the wider debate should be centred around why this attitude prevails.

When even dedicated "beat bobbies", who do an admirable job by working closely with residents, tenants and housing departments, are rewarded by being removed from their posts because of either budgetary constraints or to do more "worthwhile" police work, it is no wonder good coppers become apathetic. As long as this culture remains, the long-term sustainability of council estates will be difficult to achieve.