This in from the Hampshire Police Federation, in their own words. Ed
Today’s announcement by the Chancellor will see further cuts to the policing budget. This is in addition to the 20% cuts already imposed resulting in cuts to Hampshire Constabulary’s budget of £55 million.
Speaking of the current situation, John Apter, the Chairman of Hampshire Police Federation said,
“The additional cuts to the policing budget reaffirms to many that policing is not a priority for the coalition Government. Hampshire Constabulary has already slashed £55 million from its budgets which has left the frontline with no resilience; there is no slack in the system.
“The recent cuts to policing have not been easy. Some areas of policing are creaking at the seams whilst we continue to do more for less. These latest cuts will inevitably lead to a further reduction in service which will be to the detriment of the public. Policing is the public’s priority, it should be the Governments
“These further cuts come when more and more is expected from the police. Other areas of the public sector have made the decision to stop doing things, policing does not have that luxury and it is the hard working rank and file officers who pick up the extra work. I now call on the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner to tell the rank and file what they can stop doing, because something has to give.”
Image: West Midlands Police under CC BY 2.0
