Kent Chief Ponders New Policing Model

Tue, 07 September 2010 Courtesy of: Police Oracle

The Chief Constable of Kent has revealed that his Force has drawn up a new policing model to deal with cuts “unprecedented in his 36 years of service”.

CC Ian Learmonth said he had now written to all of the county’s MPs explaining the situation and emphasised that preparations were being made for the worst case scenario.

He said: “We are working on a new policing model that safeguards the front line and focuses on cutting crime and reducing risk and harm to the public.

““We are a ‘can do’ organisation and this is not the first time Forces have been asked to make budget reductions”

“A number of possible structures and options are being considered and work is still underway. Once we have the Comprehensive Spending Review results in October we can finalise plans around a new model for the Force.

In the worst case scenario CC Learmonth said that Kent Police could lose £53 million in funding over the next four years – equivalent to 1,000 members of civilian staff and 500 officers being lost – although he hoped that the majority of job cuts would come from “natural wastage and retirement”.

He said: “All areas of the Force’s business and budget are being examined. Clearly this is a sensitive area for everyone and we must never lose sight of the fact that we are dealing with peoples’ jobs and peoples’ lives. We have to be honest about the challenge that faces us and we will be.

“However I am determined that, whatever changes are made, we will continue to deliver the same quality service and maintain the crime fall in Kent.”

The senior officer maintained that his Force had a “unique” role in policing because of the frontier with Europe and that officers needed to remain abreast of the challenge.

He added: “We are a ‘can do’ organisation and this is not the first time Forces have been asked to make budget reductions – whatever changes take place I am determined that we will maintain the same service and standards of professionalism.”