200 jobs at risk as police look for cuts

Up to 200 jobs are at risk at Staffordshire Police as the force aims to save £30 million.The county branch of the Police Federation expects the cuts over the next two to three years.

Bosses have admitted there may be some compulsory redundancies, but have pledged to protect frontline policing. The force is trying to cut around £30m from its 2011-12 budget, which currently stands at £190m, and believes there will be a freeze on funding levels the following year.This will be on top of the £4.3m reductions pledged from April.

It follows a funding rise of just 2.7 per cent.

The police authority is not expecting any more money the following year.

Chief Superintendent Mark Bates said frontline policing roles would be protected but admitted there could be some compulsory redundancies.

He said: "What we can't rule out is the fact that we may have to make some compulsory redundancies.

"What we are seeking to do is to make sure that they are minimised.

"We will be protecting frontline policing services and putting as many officers as possible into frontline roles.

"Efficiencies really are going to come from changing the way we are structured and ensuring the back office support functions are really as streamlined as they can be."

Staffordshire Police currently employs around 1,400 civilian staff and 2,200 police officers.

Staffordshire's Police Authority has agreed a 2.8 per cent increase in council tax for 2010-2011 aimed at maintaining frontline services.

Staffordshire Police Authority chairman David Pearsall said the budget aims to protect those services in the difficult financial climate.

The authority undertook an extensive consultation exercise ahead of setting the budget.

Last year Staffordshire was highlighted as the best police force in the country at managing finances following an independent assessment. It was the only force to be graded "excellent" with a top score nationally for managing finances.