A quarter of Staffordshire Police officers to be cut by next year

By March next year, the number of officers will have dropped by 23 per cent since 2010 - compared to 11 per cent across England and Wales.

But Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, which wrote the report, says the force is becoming more 'efficient' without having an impact on the work it does.

And bosses say new technology means officers are spending between 3,000 and 7,000 extra hours on the frontline each week.

HMIC said the force was providing 'outstanding' value for money, adding it has 'reduced its spending considerably and at the same time continued to do an excellent job in fighting crime and keeping its communities safe'.

The total workforce will have fallen by 18 per cent by March next year since 2010, from 3,772 to 3,089. The national average is 14 per cent.

And there will be 492 fewer officers, leaving the total at 1,669.

See also: Staffordshire Police to take on 80 new constables

The HMIC says the county has lost one of the largest proportions of officers in England and Wales. But the number of volunteer special constables will have risen by 70 per cent, from 334 to 569.

The force has saved £30 million over four years and is in a 'strong financial position', the HMIC says.

Chief Constable Mike Cunningham said: "I welcome the HMIC report which commends Staffordshire Police with an outstanding rating. It is our duty to make sure we do the very best to tackle the issues that matter most to our communities. We have achieved this high rating thanks to the dedication and professional approach of our officers, staff and volunteers.

"We have to ensure the service delivered around the clock by the outstanding and dedicated officers and staff, satisfies the needs of our communities. That is what we are here to do, keep our communities safe by dealing with what matters, preventing crime and delivering outstanding service. While finance is an important factor, it is not the only driver in the way we serve our communities and we work to continue to balance numerous competing demands."

Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis said: "I'm delighted that the progress we've made working in partnership with Staffordshire's police service has been recognised nationally. Less money is coming from Government but I've also refused to ask local people for more money through council tax.

"My assertion of the last 18 months that the quality of public services does not only depend on how much money is spent but how well it's spent is proven. HMIC backs that view and I'm delighted."