Top cop's warning over police cuts in Hampshire

Chief constable Andy Marsh said up to 1,200 officer and staff jobs could be lost over the next five years if the force has to endure potential government cuts which they fear could be up to £65 million.

Now Mr Marsh and the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes are urging the public to do what they can to help ensure Hampshire gets a fairer deal from Whitehall – saying the county currently loses out to the tune of more than £10 million.

In a joint message to the public, the pair have urged residents to take part in a government survey looking at how money should be shared out among forces across England and Wales and said: “The proposed changes to police funding must lead to a fairer system than the current model.

“The people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight currently lose out by £10 million, which, in simple terms, means fewer police officers to keep people safe. These plans look like making that situation even worse.

“Hampshire Constabulary is already independently recognised to be a low-cost force, leading the way on innovative projects such as sharing buildings, using technology, and increasing the percentage of officers deployed in frontline roles.

“Faced with further efficiencies, if the Constabulary is to maintain the existing quality of the service we need a fair deal and we need the public to help us to achieve that by making their voice heard in this public consultation.”

Hampshire Police has already battled to make £80 million of savings since 2010. Mr Marsh said anything further would affect front line policing.

John Apter, head of the county’s police federation representing rank and file officers, warned that further cuts would have an “Armageddon” effect on the police and urged the public to make their voices heard if they wanted to protect their police force.

Residents can complete the survey online by visiting hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/Get-Involved/Funding-formula-consultation.aspx.