Police jobs will be slashed by quarter

Almost a quarter of Greater Manchester Police jobs — including front-line officers — will go as the force aims to save £134 million in five years.

The shock news was revealed after Oldham bobbies laid down the blueprint for a more efficient way of policing the region which will now be rolled out across the force, the second biggest in the country.

Almost 3,000 jobs — mostly civilian but including serving officers — will go by 2015 as Chief Constable Peter Fahy slashes what he terms back and middle office jobs, to protect the front line.

The immediate losses will be 309 police officers next year, 2011/12, with 750 civilian posts also going.

Of the 309 police officers, 55 will be front line, the rest from the back and middle offices. Total savings will be £52 million.

Because serving police officers cannot be made redundant, Mr Fahy is asking for volunteers.

But in a controversial move he is also asking the Greater Manchester Police Authority to invoke a special regulation to force officers to retire when they have completed 30 years’ service.

To tackle crime and disorder, Mr Fahy is relying on the model of neighbourhood policing studied by Exchequer Secretary David Gauke when he visited Oldham’s Barn Street police HQ in July.

The Quest system uses a hub of experienced officers to target high-priority offenders, concentrating on crime or anti-social hot spots, with regular updates every few hours.

Greater Manchester Police’s total Government funding will be cut by a fifth by 2015, leading to a 23 per cent cut in jobs.

As the size of the manpower goes down, the estate — the number of buildings and stations — will also be reduced.

The changes have already begun, Mr Fahy said. Ring-fenced funding for 828 PCSOs should continue for another year,

Mr Fahy said: “PCSOs are an integral element of neighbourhood policing and the new model which is currently being piloted in Oldham will be implemented across the entire force in 2011/12.”

The Chief Constable added: “Protecting frontline policing is at the heart of the plans we have been developing.

“While the situation is obviously unsettling the end result will be more resources put into frontline policing and a more efficient and effective service for the people of Greater Manchester.”

The report will be discussed at a special authority meeting on Monday.

Jim Moodie, regional organiser for Unison, the civilian staff union, said: “This is a devastating blow to our members and also the communities in which they serve.”