Humberside Police to cut 700 jobs to save £31m

Humberside Police has announced it will cut 700 jobs as part of its plan to save £31m by 2019.

Chief Constable Justine Curran said 200 officer posts and 500 civilian jobs, including about 40 PCSOs, will be axed.

The plan will also see the introduction of new shift patterns, the creation of a 'one force' model, and investment in mobile technology.

The Police Federation warned the loss of jobs and shift changes would lead to a rise in fatigue and sickness.

Ch Con Curran told BBC Look North: "Our new shift patters and the big team approach will give us 100 [officers] plus over each 24-hour period, more than we are able to put out currently.

"My job is to deliver 21st Century policing in an age of austerity the best that I can and I'm convinced that our new model will allow us to do that."

'Attrition and fatigue'

The plans have been approved by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside, Matthew Grove.

Mr Grove said: "The plans they have announced will remove a huge amount of duplication and bureaucracy, creating a leaner, more effective and more efficient police service for the people of East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire."

Paul Yeomans, chair of the Humberside Police Federation said: "My concern is going to be the attrition and fatigue that's going to come upon my officers.

"They are going to be working more shifts in a row and they are going to have less quality time with their families.

"I think fatigue is going to play a big part in this and I think that sickness will start to go through the roof."