Cop cuts: Force says it needs time

STAFFORDSHIRE Police says it will need time to 'consider and digest' the Government's new policy to return to lone patrols to cut costs.

The force's response comes after the Home Office released its White Paper suggesting that forces in England and Wales would need to save more than £500 million by 2014.

The proposed cost cuts include police officers walking the beat alone, and cutting overtime to save £70 million.

Chief Constable Mike Cunningham said: "While the force needs time to consider and digest the details set out in the White Paper, we are committed to being as efficient as we can in these challenging times.

"Overtime reflects the realities of modern policing, which needs to be in a position to respond - often immediately - to unpredictability.

"However, as a public service we are acutely aware of our responsibility to spend tax-payers' money effectively and in a way that gives the maximum value for that investment.

"We will be looking at issues like this and many, many more as part of our new Communities First programme. As the name suggests, we want to ensure that service to communities is our top priority and that this directs all of the decisions we will need to make in these tough financial times." Derbyshire Police previously said it was 'disappointed' with the news.