Police force to shed nearly 3,000 posts

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Peter Fahy said 750 civilian employees and 309 officers will go by 2012 with more to follow.

The senior officer added that by the financial year 2014-2015 there will be a 23 per cent reduction in employee numbers.

The job losses will form part of a huge programme of reform aimed at saving 134m in the wake of the Government's spending review.

Mr Fahy said the force was also likely to use a controversial regulation that can make officers retire after 30 years' service.

In a report to the Police Authority, Mr Fahy said the impact of the spending review will be "significant" and officer recruitment has been frozen but added: "Protecting front-line policing is at the heart of the plans we have been developing. There is a wider programme to modernise the force that has been under way for some time.

"It is making changes that are improving our performance in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour and increasing public confidence."

Greater Manchester Police has lost 221 officers since last December and warned cuts could threaten its ability to police football games and party conferences.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We welcome Peter Fahy's vow to protect frontline policing. The Home Secretary has been clear from the beginning that it is possible to maintain the visibility and availability of the police on the streets."