Only one in eight of police available for frontline calls

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) asked the public what they thought constituted frontline work, and then studied forces’ shift patterns to see how those services were being provided.

It found the availability of officers and PCSOs at any one time varied. On average, 12 per cent of those who respond to 999 calls and patrol neighbourhoods were on hand.

West Yorkshire Police was ranked second out of all 43 forces in England and Wales with an average of 16.2 per cent. South Yorkshire was 19th in the list, with North Yorkshire 32nd and Humberside 36th.

The greatest percentage a force could possibly achieve is 23 per cent – there are 168 hours in a week, but an individual officer is only contracted to work for 40.

West Yorkshire Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison said his force’s position reflected its determination to put neighbourhood policing at its heart. “It will always be necessary,” he added, “for a big busy force such as West Yorkshire to have staff performing vital roles which are not frontline, without which operational work would grind to a halt.

“Nevertheless I am confident that most people will see the results of this HMIC study and conclude that we have got the balance about right and are offering good value for money when compared with other forces.”

HMIC concluded that the front line involved jobs like CID and asset confiscation, as well as fingerprinting and crime scene work. Middle office and back office posts include tasks such as process support, training and IT and communications.

The research will be studied by the Government, which plans to cut funding for police forces by 20 per cent in real terms over the next four years.

Sir Denis O’Connor, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, said the cuts presented a “big challenge” because staff in middle or back-office roles were key and ensured frontline duties were properly carried out.

Several forces, including North Yorkshire, have decided to invoke a pension regulation which allows chief constables to demand the retirement of officers with more than 30 years’ service.

Dc Tim Kennedy, one of four West Midlands officers forced to retire under the rule, warned: “You can’t be taught the skills that I have. It’s something that you hone over a number of years.”

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, MP for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford, said: “Chief constables are being put in an impossible position by the scale and pace of the cuts.

“The Government is taking too many risks with the fight against crime. Ministers need to face up to the reality of these cuts and change course.”