Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has been tracking the response of police forces’ to budget cuts since 2011 using force data and inspection to analyse how they are making savings.
In a report released today, Hampshire Constabulary, who cover the Isle of Wight, was judged as having a ‘Good’ response to the budget cuts.
Response from Police Commissioner
Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Simon Hayes says,
“It is reassuring that the HMIC has judged Hampshire Constabulary to be in a good position to deliver the savings and it has congratulated all forces for meeting this challenge while ensuring crime still falls, victim satisfaction goes up and frontline services are protected as much as possible. However, the reality is that by 2017 the Constabulary will have had £80 million of cuts imposed on it. The most recent cuts of £25 million by 2017 will result in losing in the region of 500 staff and officers.
“These are extremely difficult and challenging times for the force and have meant an extensive review of how policing is delivered across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
“As a result of the review, I have insisted that neighbourhood policing remains at the core of the policing. The force has responded to this through its plans that include boundaries being redrawn to improve partnership working and PCSO numbers maintained. Fundamental to delivering this is my Estate Strategy which will ensure a cost effective estate that supports future policing in facilities, which are fit for purpose and places policing in the heart of the community.
“Going forward I question the extent to which more savings can be made through a future spending review before the quality of service is significantly affected and public safety is put at risk.”
Response from Deputy Chief constable
DCC Craig Denholm commented:
“This is good news for tax payers in Hampshire.
“It serves as independent evidence that we are providing value for money whilst protecting neighbourhood policing. We can do this because we are already innovative in our partnerships and have amongst the highest proportion of officers and staff in frontline and visible roles.
“Given this context, it is appropriate to add some caution about the future. Whilst we are doing everything that we can to prepare ourselves, policing in Hampshire receives less government funding per head of population than in many other parts of the country and so further cuts would hurt us more than other forces.”
Full details can be found in the report below. Click on the full screen icon to see larger version.
Image: West Midlands Police under CC BY 2.0
