Staffordshire Police start £22m save

A major shake-up of policing in Staffordshire was launched today as the force battles to save £22million over the next two years.

Nine local policing teams matching local authority boundaries have been introduced across the county.

But police chiefs insist neighbourhood teams - labelled 'the bedrock of policing' - will be protected and insists it's it 'business as usual' for them.

The local policing teams will replace the four divisions that were in place - Chase division, Trent Valley, Stoke and North Staffs.

Staffordshire police bosses claim the move has helped streamline the organisation and cut costs, while maintaining front line services.

Chief Superintendent Bernie O'Reilly said: "We've protected the front line by reducing administration overheads and streamlining management.

"We are also working much more closely with local authority partners to get the best value for money we can."

Each local policing team will be led by a commander.

They will hold regular community meetings and broadcast messages on You Tube and the force's own website www.staffordshire.police.uk

Newsletters will also be put through letter boxes across the county as the force insists it will continue to put communities first.

The new local policing teams are Cannock Chase LPT, Lichfield District LPT, Stafford Borough LPT, South Staffordshire LPT, East Staffordshire LPT, Tamworth LPT, Newcastle, East Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent central, north and south.