'I cannot bear the thought of people being too fearful to go to the park or the pub'

CRIME COMMISSIONER BEN ADAMS SAYS POLICE PERFORM BETTER THAN PUBLIC PERCEPTION OFTEN MAKES OUT. PHIL CORRIGAN REPORTS

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STAFFORDSHIRE Commissioner Ben Adams says there is a 'disconnect' between people's view of the police - and how well they are actually performing.

Just 41 per cent of Staffordshire respondents told the Crime Survey for England and Wales that the police are doing a good or excellent job, compared to 49 per cent nationally.

Staffordshire Police had the third lowest score in the country, with only the West Midlands and Gwent forces doing worse in this category.

But Mr Adams, right, the Police, Fire and Crime commissioner for Staffordshire, believes this does not reflect the reality of policing in the county - suggesting some people's views are being influenced by national news stories and 'misinformation'.