HUNDREDS of officers and civilian staff will be axed by Hampshire Police in a shake-up that will change the face of the local force.
In a letter to staff, Chief Constable Alex Marshall warns of 1,400 job losses — a quarter of the workforce — to balance the books.
The constabulary needs to save up to £70 million over the next four years because of Government cuts.
As well as job losses, the cutbacks could see police stations closed and officers forced to share buildings with their fire service and council colleagues.
Hampshire Police Federation, which represents frontline officers, has called this morning’s (Friday) announcement a "sad blow to the principles of policing."
Natural wastage, early retirement and voluntary redundancies will be made over the next two years, but there will be compulsory job losses, Mr Marshall says.
Frontline teams will not escape savage cuts, while areas where crime is lower will have fewer officers.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk