Herts Police headquarters

POLICE chiefs in Hertfordshire have agreed to investigate proposals to outsource support services in order to tackle a £73m shortfall.

Hertfordshire Police Authority has approved a business case which will examine using private company G4S to supply services including ICT, human resources and finance.

The county’s strategic partners Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Bedfordshire Police have now also agreed the recommendation.

If approved, the move could affect up to 1,100 jobs across all three counties, saving the forces £77m a year.

Hertfordshire chief constable Andy Bliss said: “We consider that significant efficiencies could be made through this outsourcing model but have agreed to commission a full business case to examine this framework in greater detail.

“As chief constable, my main priority is to continue to deliver high quality policing for the people of Hertfordshire.

“As our strategic policing alliance continues to work together to protect front line policing delivery during these significant financial challenges, some difficult decisions will need to be made.

“A detailed business case will enable us to examine whether this outsourcing approach would prove to be the best way forward.”

The business case will examine G4S’ existing contract with Lincolnshire Police as a basis for the proposals.

David Lloyd, chairman of Hertfordshire Police Authority, said: “There is still a lot of work to be undertaken but I am confident that the recommendation that the Police Authority approved will enable a full assessment of this potential outsourcing approach to be conducted.

“It is our duty to ensure that all possible resources are focused on front line delivery – to ensure that neighbourhood policing is maintained and that when the public need the police in an emergency they are available.”

The support services being considered for outsourcing under the proposals are: human resources, ICT, finance, estates and facilities, corporate services, corporate communications, fleet, procurement, legal services, business support, records management, information management and resource management.