Police outsourcing plan scrapped

POLICE outsourcing plans which put more than 1,000 jobs at risk have been dropped after talks between three crime commissioners.

Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire forces looked set to use security firm G4S to take on backroom roles across the counties. But the proposal has been scrapped after talks between Hertfordshire’s police and crime commissioner, David Lloyd, and his counterparts in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, Sir Graham Bright and Olly Martins.

Mr Lloyd said: “I made my decision based on evidence and on the recommendations from the Chief Constables. “I still believe that substantial elements of policing support services will be best delivered by the private sector and will ensure that this option is immediately pursued.

“I am already in discussion with other market providers and will continue to talk with G4S about how they can assist policing support services in Hertfordshire.

“My clear position is that all elements of support work will be considered for outsourcing or other use of the market.”

Sir Graham said that close collaboration between the counties was key for the future of policing.

He said: “Following a rigorous review we have come to the shared decision not to proceed further. I still firmly think that working closely with other forces is the key to making the savings needed in the future.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire to meet the financial challenges that face us all.”

If the plans were approved 1,100 civilian posts would have been lost in a bid to help plug a £73m shortfall in government funding.