Further to an article the other day highlighting the news that Surrey Police has engaged security guards to look after its headquarters building at Mount Browne in Guildford.

I was particularly taken with the remarks attributed to Terry Dicks, a former member of the Police Committee.

Mr Dicks expressed surprise and concern that Surrey Police appeared to be unable to look after themselves and needed private guards to do that for them.

I wonder if he is aware of the cost differentials that exist between deploying a security guard 24/7 and the cost of deploying a trained police officer for the same period.

I wonder also if he has taken account of the mind-numbingly boring nature of the duties of a security guard in such circumstances?

Did it occur to him if it is really appropriate that a fully - and expensively - trained police officer should be made to endure such duties at the expense of his proper role out on the streets, working with and for the public.

As he does not seem to have addressed such basic considerations, preferring instead to have a pop at a fairly sensible and commercial decision taken by those responsible for these matters, I am rather relieved that Mr Dicks is no longer a member of the Police Committee.

DAVID PATRICK Larkspur Way West Ewell