Public views sought on future of police as force prepares for cuts

THOUSANDS of people are being asked their views about the “shape of policing in the 21st century” as Humberside Police braces itself for cuts.

The authority has sent questionnaires to the 6,000 members of a Citizen’s Panel, split between the four police divisions in East Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, although anyone can take part.

The chairman of Humberside Police Authority, Chris Matthews, said they were expecting cuts of less than 20 per cent to their 195m budget over four years, or around five per cent per year.

He said: “I am confident that we can manage that without having a significant impact on police services. How we deliver police services might change but I hope the level of service we can maintain.”

The role of police community support officers (PCSOs) and special constables comes under the spotlight in the survey, as do police stations, and whether they need to be manned all day or just by appointment.

One option proposes closing police station counters to save money unless there is “clear evidence” that they are being used by a “significant” number of people. Another is opening them on a “surgery” basis with an officer present once or twice a week.

People are asked whether they think e-mail should be more widely used to access police. One option would see e-mail updates replacing visits by officers, following a report of a crime, either as victim or witness.

The questionnaire asks people to rate how valuable they consider PCSOs and special officers to be.

The final question asks people for their own suggestions about accessing police and improving efficiency.

Coun Matthews he said he believed efficiencies could be made by sharing resources with other police forces, including cutting the numbers of helicopters from three to two. He said: “We are working with our colleagues from South and West Yorkshire and one of the biggest expenses is the helicopter.

“I don’t think we necessarily need to keep our own helicopter, but we need access to a helicopter.”

The number of forensic laboratories could also be cut, he believes.

Coun Matthews said they would listen to what the public had to say. “I think what you have to remember is that a lot of my colleagues on the police authority are up for election.

“The electorate will have the chance to vote us off. We are elected representatives and it is our job to listen.”

Humberside Police has been operating its own recruitment freeze since the beginning of the year although the force continues to recruit Specials.

Coun Matthews said: “The numbers are just short of 2000. I’m always reminded that when we had the miners strike and police resources were in demand, Humberside Police had 1800 police officers.

“We have more police officers in Humberside than we had 10 to 15 years ago.”

The move follows just weeks after letters offering voluntary redundancy to 1,451 police community support officers, civilian investigators and call centre staff.

It followed a similar offer to more than 700 back office staff.

The force has not said how many workers will have to go, but Chief Constable Tim Hollis has insisted it will be a “modest” number.

Coun Matthews will be available online between 4pm and 8pm on Monday September 27 as part of the scheme, called the Big Conversation.

For more information call Humberside Police Authority on 01482 334818 or visit its website at www.humberside-pa.org.uk or e-mail Coun Matthews at [email protected]

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