Commentary

Abstract

As the Coalition Government remains committed to reducing the financial deficit it is clear that cuts in spending will extend to the police service. In response to what is now likely to amount to a 20% cut in central government grant by 2014/15, chief constables are already announcing planned reductions in both police officers and police staff. At this time it is difficult to predict the consequence of what is likely to prove the most drastic reduction in spending to have confronted the police service in living memory. It is quite certain, however, that police establishment will have to fall if the targeted cuts are to be achieved. This can be achieved only by future non-recruitment as, currently, police officers cannot be made redundant.