Cumbria Police to cut 100 officers to save £18.6m

Chief Constable Craig Mackey said the budget cuts would be a challenge for the Cumbria force

Cumbria Police will have 100 fewer officers by the end of 2011 after the force confirmed budget cuts of £18.6m over the next four years.

Chief constable Craig Mackey said the "shape and structure" of the force would have to change to meet the 20% cut in government funding.

Mr Mackey pledged the reduction in officer numbers would be achieved by natural wastage.

A further 235 staff posts are also predicted to go by March 2012.

Mr Mackey said: "This is a challenging settlement for Cumbria. The constabulary will have to operate with a substantially reduced budget over the next four years.

"The total number of police officers will fall to 1,150 by September 2011. This will be a reduction of 100 officers from our position in 2009/10.

"The overall reduction in the number of officers will be achieved through natural wastage.

"The police staff establishment will drop to 600 by March 2012 - a reduction of 235 posts.

"These are without doubt challenging times, but we are firmly committed to providing the communities of Cumbria with an affordable and realistic policing service."