As the former first resident chairman of the eb4U community safety management committee who was on the appointment panel that employed police sergeant Tony Lumb in his present job, I have to answer the naive and mindless criticism in your article "Police defend fact-finding mission to New Zealand" (The Argus, March 26).

One of the people quoted asks "Why not go to Manchester?". I find that strange, given that the person who made the comment was aware the eb4U community safety team had established links with Manchester and several other cities. These have included visits.

I am proud of my time spent as the chairman of the committee and privileged to be partly responsible for some ground-breaking initiatives that have been introduced in East Brighton, some of which are being replicated elsewhere.

Tony Lumb and his team have done an incredible job in the area without looking for plaudits or reward for their achievements which speak for themselves. They deserve respect and not criticism.

I don't see anyone complaining as loudly when some fat cats or politicians go abroad on tax payers' money but never bring anything back, which suggests the criticism is personal rather than informed.

-Doug Wilson, Brighton