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davidcp wrote:
Do you known why they go around in cars? I'll tell you.
1. The criminals do. Duh!
2. As there are less of them and people call to report stuff, they have to get there. It's a long walk from Lower Machen to Malpas (one 'patch' according to maps).
3. When they've been called they might have to do something about what they've been called to. How often does what happened happen in a small 100 sq yard bubble, I wonder?
4. Having done THAT something they might arrest someone. Unless I am mistaken, they can't interview arrested suspects over a mobile phone or radio, so they have to go to a station.
5. Writing a report on foot, on the beat, in the rain, means the CPS gets a soggy report. Better to write up what the public called them about on a desk, indoors. Where the computers are.
6. It's not like the Bill, where it's all wrapped up without a file in 60 mins including adverts. Surprise!

Funny thing is, I bet the people who want them walking the beat don't want them to see their bald tyres, untaxed cars, pavement parking, etc. They just want then to see OTHER people's misdemeanours.

You are correct, motor transport is an absolutely essential requirement of modern and efficient law enforcement.
Going around in cars certainly enabled some Gwent officers to throughly investigate the log flume at Barry Island, and also enabled a trouser dropping firearms officer to ensure that his female friend got home safe and well.
Further afield and more recently, access to cars gave the opportunity for a police officer in Durham to apparently demonstrate to an arrested person that he could drive at 140mph whilst on their way back to the nick!"