The police do an outstanding job, despite a lack of proper support.

That was the message from this month’s Tynwald sitting as members discussed Chief Constable Gary Roberts’ annual report.

During the debate, several members criticised government policy and showed their support for the police.

In his report, Mr Roberts sought more funding for the Constabulary, after years of frozen or reduced budgets.

Lawrie Hooper MHK (Ramsey) said the report showed ’a force under extreme pressure, having to go above and beyond in order to deliver the level of service the public expect and that Tynwald requires’.

Mr Hooper added: ’I was absolutely blown away that the Constabulary had not sought more resources for several years following government policy - government policy not to seek adequate funding.

’So this downward spiral, this slash-and-burn approach to policing was not as I originally thought as a result of inaction, but a deliberate policy decision taken by successive governments. So living hand to mouth was government policy.

’Members and ministers of the department (of Home Affairs) that allowed this situation to develop and continue should be ashamed of themselves.’

Mr Hooper was not alone in his criticism.

Bill Henderson MLC said he was disappointed that the police are still the first port of call for those concerned about others’ mental health.

He spoke of his shock that people are still being arrested in 2018 for being mentally ill.

Mr Henderson added: ’There is no reason on earth now in 2018 why we have to resort to arresting somebody because they are stressed, suffering their own mental health issues, or their behaviour is not right.

’I think we can do far better.’

Garff MHK Daphne Caine criticised government inaction on funding and cannabis legislation, saying the Council of Ministers have been ’all talk and no action’.

Mrs Caine added: ’The underlying message seems to be that the Constabulary has achieved a huge amount despite ever-reducing funding.’

Department of Home Affairs member Dr Alex Allinson MHK defended the government’s record on police funding.

And he criticised Mr Hooper’s claims of deliberate under-funding.

He said: ’I do not believe I have seen any policy to not fund the police service.’

However, in his report, Mr Roberts said: ’The Constabulary has not sought more resources for several years, following government policy.

’At your request I will be submitting business cases for growth for the 2019-20 year to address shortfalls in training and development budgets.’