The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Police Authorities’ Joint Working Group met yesterday with chief officers from the three forces.
Those in attendance were provided with an update on progress and work will now continue in accordance with the three police authorities’ joint decision to develop a full business case that will examine outsourcing the forces’ organisational support services via the Lincolnshire Police contract, with G4S as the supplier.
The three police authorities had asked at the end of June for this full business case to be developed, but a review of the approach to be taken was requested by the Joint Working Group when it convened on 23 July.
That meeting took place, of course, against the backdrop of events relating to Olympic security, with concerns being raised regarding G4S’ ability to deliver.
The work to develop the full business case will now continue to scrutinise the Lincolnshire Police/G4S contract and assess the ability of the contract to meet the specific requirements of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire forces.
It’s expected that the full business case will be completed over the next few months, ready for consideration and a decision by the chief constables in conjunction with the incoming Police and Crime Commissioners.
Positive response from G4S
John Shaw, the managing director of G4S Policing Support Services, responded to the news by stating: “We’re very pleased to be able to continue to support the forces as they seek a solution which will enable them to retain and build on existing frontline policing capability and services and address a funding shortfall of GB pound 73 million.”
Shaw continued: “Clearly, in these times of austerity police forces are investigating alternative ways of delivering the support services that underpin effective and efficient police operations. We’re confident that, by working with G4S, the three forces will be able to make considerable savings which they will then be able to redirect towards frontline policing.”
In conclusion, Shaw explained: “We look forward to the opportunity to form an enduring partnership with Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Constabularies, and are committed to delivering a high quality business case which will be a benchmark for the delivery of UK policing.”
