ACPO comment to HMIC report Adapting to Austerity

ACPO lead on reducing bureaucracy Chief Constable Chris Sims:

"Chief constables are determined to do everything possible to preserve the policing service to the public through a period of substantial change. The HMIC report published today shows that part of that change will result in police numbers reducing to those of a decade ago, confirming the scale of the challenge ahead.

“The report shows forces have made a start but face difficult choices in balancing responsiveness to local need with national demands on policing. Differing sizes, workforce mixes and financial starting positions mean each force is in a unique situation. But alongside huge effort to drive out cost we will see a smaller workforce and significant changes to the service we offer.

“Chiefs understand the policing sector cannot be immune from cuts taking place across the public sector. To be successful in preserving our service to the public we need the freedom to challenge the way we operate and, rather than crude numbers, focus on outcomes that keep people safe.”

The HMIC report on Adapting to Austerity can be found here: http://www.hmic.gov.uk/Programmes/vfm/Pages/PreparednessInspection.aspx

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk