Leicestershire Police Federation press release regarding proposed £2m outsourcing of policing to private security firms

11 May 2026

Leicestershire Police Federation press release regarding proposed £2m outsourcing of policing to private security firms

Andy Spence, Chair of Leicestershire Police Federation, said: “I am really concerned by this proposal by Rupert Matthews.

“It comes on the back of Rupert trying to underfund the police force in February where the police and crime panel, including members of his own political party criticised him publicly.

“He had to do a U turn then and I am asking to do another U turn now.

“Rupert has already tried to slash the money given to policing and when that has failed he has now taken money allocated to policing and chosen to privatise policing.

“£2m would pay for the salaries of approximately 60 police officers or PCSO’s.

This is nearly every PC at Melton Mowbray.

“The police officers and PCSO’s have the powers, training, infrastructure and experience of dealing with these incidents. They have access to the intelligence, judicial process and relevant safeguarding information.

“They know the high harm offenders who pose the highest risks to businesses and individuals. They are able to work hand in hand with partner agencies, the judiciary to effectively combat them.

“SIA registered security guards do not.

“They have no power to detain and they would simply pick up a phone and call the police. The security guards could be in one town today and gone tomorrow. They will not know who is causing harm, they cannot stop them.  

“We have seen first hand how this works and put simply it does not work. The security marshalls were not allowed to run after shoplifters, they would not be able to provide CCTV, they can’t obtain evidence for investigations. The money is best spent on the police force.

“Rupert would rather spend £2m for someone to call the police than spend £2m on the police.

“Once this money is taken out of the budget, it will not come back in. He admits that his plan is for the next 18 months, until he is no longer in post.  

“The police force is already understaffed. This funding will take away police officers and PCSO’s from the frontline.

“Humberside Police funded their frontline officers and staff and this led to a 30% detection rate of shop thefts, a reduction in anti-social behaviour. Rupert has not listened to the evidence.

“If Rupert is interested in public safety, crime prevention and detecting crime then he needs to adequately staff the police force. This approach is simply walking with his hands over his ears and his eyes closed ignoring everyone else.”