HMIC say that police forces are meeting the challenge of austerity

ACPO President Sir Hugh Orde said:

“The HMIC have recognised the considerable efforts of police leaders across the country to deliver the cuts they have been required to make while protecting front-line services. Crime has continued to fall and the Home Secretary has said the police are the ‘model public service’ for the way we’ve dealt with the cuts.

“I want to thank police officers, staff and PCSOs who have continued to serve the public through organisational change and with fewer resources, without their hard work and dedication every day we would not have been able to do this.

“The report is a reminder that forces are delivering budget cuts of 20 per cent or more over the spending review period. HMIC analysis is that further cuts would leave some forces increasingly vulnerable.

“The HMIC have said that it is unlikely that collaboration alone will enable forces to meet the savings required in the coming years.

“ACPO has long said that there needs to be a considered review of the current force structure in order for police to tackle effectively the threats we face today and in the future. Continuing budget cuts make this review even more urgent. We fully support HMIC’s call for change in the way policing is organised and funded and look forward to engaging in that debate so that we move to a force structure that ensures we can do our job of keeping people safe.”

For more information please contact:

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