SIR – In a recent report, it was estimated that more than 8,500 ex-servicemen were in prison, accounting for one-in-10 of the jail population of England and Wales, after serving their country in Iraq or Afghanistan.

These alarming numbers only confirm my grave doubts regarding the way this country is governed.

It would appear once these people, who have risked their lives for this country, become surplus to military requirements they are simply discarded with little hope of finding gainful employment, especially during this recession.

With our present police force, which appears to be reluctant to get involved with anything which entails stepping out of a patrol car, would this not be a perfect opportunity in this time of cost saving to give priority to ex-service personnel into the constabulary? They would tick all the required boxes regarding appearance, discipline, fitness and the ability to cope with disorderly situations. However, it seems with the current regulations this cannot happen due to the need for an ethnic balance to be maintained among our law officers.

On a positive note, would it not encourage more of those from cultural minorities to join our Armed Forces?

Robin Smith,
Worcester.