Hertfordshire Constabulary’s plan to reduce police staff numbers is a false economy that will make it harder to fight crime, UNISON says today.
The force is opening a voluntary redundancy scheme to most support staff – including investigators and administrators – as it tries to save £2.5m in 2024/25.
In recent years, successive governments have prioritised “frontline” policing in funding settlements. But slashing police staff numbers and backroom capacity means uniformed officers have to plug the gaps, rather than get out into communities or work on complex cases, says UNISON.
It is not yet clear how many jobs will be cut as part of the redundancy scheme, but staff are already struggling after years of austerity, says the union.
The union says the government should scrap the current funding scheme, which penalises forces that fail to recruit enough officers, arguing it forces them to make other cuts that disrupt frontline services anyway.
UNISON Eastern regional organiser Cathrine Ward said: “Hertfordshire Constabulary is robbing Peter to pay Paul.
“It’s a false economy – vital police staff work still needs to be done. If the only people left to do it are higher-paid warranted officers, it will take them off the frontline, cost more and stop forces tackling crime on behalf of the public.
“The force and government should properly value police staff and make sure there’s enough funding for officers and staff.”
