200-strong boost in police on beat

POLICE chiefs want to get bobbies out of admin roles and back on the beat to boost frontline policing in Greater Manchester by 200 officers.

The proposals, which include an investment of £11.5 million in IT systems, will go before Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) tomorrow.

They set out the case for the increase of 200 officers in neighbourhood policing teams and assigning 30 officers and 12 police staff to Public Protection Investigation Units.

It will be achieved by moving officers out of administrative roles into frontline duties, freeing officer time by the investment in computer systems and cutting 10 per cent from the cost of vehicles and fuel consumptions.

GMP’s Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: “We’re changing the way we work. We’re removing bureaucracy and the barriers we face so we can increase the effectiveness of staff and improve our performance in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Our focus is on reducing corporate costs and ensuring frontline services are supported. This is essential if we are to continue to drive up confidence in policing while being fully prepared for a difficult financial future.”

The report to the special meeting is an update on the force’s modernisation and change programme, aimed at delivering savings without impacting on frontline services.

It includes the implementation of a new local policing model, which features specialist roles focused on frontline policing.

An important aspect is the civilianisation of 200 police officer posts and the disestablishment of 100 police officer posts engaged in non-frontline duties.

Also on the agenda are plans for the new North Manchester HQ.

Mr Fahy added: “The workforce modernisation programme is not a knee-jerk reaction to the recession. It is a long-term plan, which will ensure GMP puts people first as it moves into a new era of policing.

“The programme is informed by projects which have been running for a number of years, projects which have helped us identify where savings can be made in a way which protects and enhances the frontline.”

After the meeting, the plans will go to February’s full GMPA meeting when the 2010-11 police budget will be set.