News Item - News - Surrey Police

Surrey Police Authority to Support Radical Change Plan

Submitted: 11/12/2009 12:43:06

Surrey Police Authority to Support Radical Change Plan

At its meeting in Guildford today, Surrey Police Authority gave its support to the radical plans for change to Surrey Police put forward by Chief Constable Mark Rowley.

By reducing the number of senior officers, simplifying the structure of the force and replacing a number of older and underused police stations, Surrey Police will be able to recruit up to 200 more constables, offer more and better ways to visit local police and reduce the budget gap facing the force. The Chief Constable hopes to complete the majority of these changes within three years.

The decision means that further detailed planning and the first stages of implementation will now begin. The Authority will also begin the process of consulting with the public on the plans for changes to the police estate. The Authority’s 17 Members agreed that no police station should close unless better alternatives can be provided. They also agreed that a comprehensive process of briefing and consultation should take place with the public and our partner organisations in Boroughs & Districts before any police station can be replaced.

Commenting on the decision, Peter Williams, Chairman of Surrey Police Authority, said:

“This is a complex plan arising from a simple reality – our budget will be cut in the future. The Authority believes that the best and most sensible course of action is to act now to protect front line policing as far as possible from the impact of those cuts. Having had the opportunity to question the Chief Constable about his proposals, we are satisfied that they represent the right way to keep officers on the beat in Surrey.

“The Authority has therefore agreed to support the Chief Constable’s proposals for change. These changes will help to improve the force’s ability to do its job – cracking down on crime and protecting the public – as well as reducing costs.

“However, we are clear that we must go hand-in-hand with the public on any changes to the ways in which they can access police services in their local area. We are in the earliest stage of a process that will develop over several years. By taking into account the views of local people throughout that process, we hope to be able to deliver a service that is more accessible, more effective and fit for tougher financial times ahead.”

Mark Rowley, Chief Constable of Surrey Police said:

“I am excited that Surrey Police Authority has given its support to the package of changes. Although we are facing significant financial pressures it is essential that we do everything that we can to provide the services people are asking for.

“We are planning to recruit up to 200 police constables by April 2012 to tackle anti social behaviour and serious and organised crime, including criminals travelling into Surrey.

“By locating neighbourhood policing teams within borough and district council offices we can provide a better service to the public in jointly tackling local problems. The Force and the Authority will be talking with communities to see how we can provide a better range of more accessible places for the public to meet with their neighbourhood police officers.

“We will make savings by introducing a simpler policing model, removing around 50 senior police officers and replacing a number of outdated, expensive and little-used police buildings with better locations for the public to meet us.”

For further information please contact Surrey Police press office

E-mail: press.office@surrey.pnn.police.uk