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11 March 2025
Cuts to police staff jobs would undeniably have an impact on frontline policing, according to the chair of West Mercia Police Federation.
Speaking on behalf of the branch, Pete Nightingale believes that plans which could mean 150 police staff roles are lost would lead to police officers having to pick up their work, taking them away from the frontline.
The plans, set out by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion to make cost savings, have already been criticised by councillors on Telford & Wrekin Council.
“While we appreciate that many forces are under financial pressure, we are concerned about the impact these cuts are going to have on the Force’s ability to provide the policing services our communities want and need,” says Pete.
“Police staff play a critical role in policing, with many having skills that police officers themselves might not have. Reducing our police staff numbers, particularly to this extent, would be damaging.
“Police officers would inevitably have to cover some police staff roles, taking them away from their core roles. We want to see as many police officers as possible out and about in our communities, serving and protecting the public and this would not help us achieve that.
“While we are concerned about the effect these cuts could have on the police service, we are obviously concerned about those police staff whose jobs would be put at risk who would have to cope with uncertainty within their careers at a time when everyone is feeling the pinch due to the cost of living crisis.
“Police officers, police staff, PCSOs and Specials all work together as a team and when one part of the team is put under this type of pressure we all feel it.”
Mr Campion has said the Force is facing financial challenges, including a £4.2 million National Insurance bill and also needed £12m to cover inflation and also £7m to meet 'additional demand'.
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