Thames Valley and Hampshire police merge IT departments

IT staff at Hampshire Constabulary have a new employer after the force merged resources with Thames Valley Police.

The two forces have created a single information, communication and technology department, which will be managed by Thames Valley Police.

Staff will remain working at the same location, although their employer will be the Thames Valley force.

The deal, agreed in January, aims to "realise cost reductions that would not be achievable individually".

Thames Valley Police covers Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, while Hampshire Constabulary covers both Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Hampshire Constabulary is to cut 160 jobs over the next year as it aims to save £20m.

Thames Valley Police will axe 270 jobs this financial year after the force's budget was slashed by £12m.