Force on track to make £40m of cuts by March
West Mercia Police is on track to make planned cuts of almost £40 million by March next year – but will suffer if it is forced to make further savings, according to a report released today.
The force, which covers Shropshire, has been commended in a report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, which says it is on track to achieve its required savings of £36.9 million by spring next year.
But the Inspectorate warned that it and other forces around the country will be severely affected if they are forced to make further cuts in the future.
Both West Mercia and Dyfed Powys forces were praised for making savings without badly affecting frontline policing.
West Mercia was praised for its alliance with Warwickshire Police, which has seen many administrative roles merged. Between 2012 and 2016, up to 200 police officers and 450 civilian staff are expected to leave the two forces and not be replaced.
HM Inspector Dru Sharpling said: "The alliance is providing the force with significant opportunities for cost savings and is providing the people of West Mercia with a better equipped and more effective police service."
West Mercia crime commissioner Bill Longmore today pledged police would remain on the beat, adding: "Despite making savings, the force is still delivering a good service. Frontline services have been, and will continue to be, protected.
