Top cop investigates saving force millions

By Richard Wright

Friday, March 12, 2010

Ch Supt

THE Island’s top cop is leading a police team trying to slash millions off the constabulary’s budget.

Chief Supt Dave Thomas is heading a team of nine staff, seconded from various areas, to examine Hampshire Constabulary’s budget in close detail.

He has been seconded from the Island to Winchester to lead a team trying to save £24.6 million over the next three years, with the brief of not affecting frontline services. On current forecasts, the budget deficit is predicted to widen further, to reach £12 million by 2013-14.

The police authority recently approved a budget of nearly £314 million for the next financial year, including more than £6 million of savings, but the government has told it to find much more.

Deputy chief constable Simon Cole said: "This initiative is at no additional cost to the constabulary or the public. The savings team is redirected from other work."

Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk