Police forces to pool resources as budgets are slashed

The Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables met last week to discuss how to meet the financial challenges for both Forces.

They explored the sharing of support services with the aim of protecting front line officers and staff, and of keeping community policing local.

Both Forces have collaborated for years on support functions such as IT and Human Resources, but now will consider which other areas can be delivered better by a joint arrangement over two to three years.

Each Force has significant savings to make but recognises that good service to the public is essential. The Commissioners and Senior Command Teams support this approach. They are all clear that this is not a merger of two organisations and that each force will retain its own identity.

The team responsible will work closely with both Commissioners and Command Teams to look at new innovative ways to deliver cost effective policing.

Matthew Grove, Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner said: “My priority is to ensure that

the outcomes of my Police and Crime Plan; namely to reduce crime, improve support to victims

and protect the public, are delivered whilst balancing the budget and ensuring value for money. I

am prepared to examine all potential opportunities that allow these outcomes to be delivered.”