60,000 police jobs 'threatened by cuts'

Budget cuts in the police service in England and Wales could lead to 60,000 police officer and civilian posts being axed by 2015, a study has suggested.

That "worst-case" scenario represents about 25% of the total, with civilian posts probably hardest hit, it says.

But, it adds, if adjustments are made for inflation and growth, cuts might fall to between 11,500 and 17,000 jobs.

The study, commissioned by Police Review magazine, was conducted by a former chief constable, Tim Brain.

Andy Tighe reports.

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