West Yorkshire Police announce “wide-ranging” review

West Yorkshire Police have announced a wide-ranging review into changes to the force to save money and improve efficiency.
Chief Constable Mark Gilmore.Chief Constable Mark Gilmore.
Chief Constable Mark Gilmore.

Speaking today West Yorkshire Police Constable Mark Gilmore said the review will look into the structure of the force.

He said: “Improving performance in the face of shrinking budgets is at the heart of the proposed restructure of West Yorkshire Police Divisions.

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“We have to find a further £64m in savings over the next three years, while delivering on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Plan, making communities safer and feeling safer.

“That is a significant challenge and can only be achieved by making some bold, transformational changes.

“Our commitment is to create an even better service to the public at local level, not just from the police, but from all agencies working together as cohesive neighbourhood management teams.”

In Leeds there will be a reduction into police divisions from three to one.

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The result of the review into Wakefield and Kirkless will be announced later this year.

Chief Con Gilmore said: “The shape of policing is changing. Challenged by reduced budgets, we are making innovative use of new technology; ensuring officers spend more time on the street and less time in the station.

“We are putting officers where they are needed, in the communities they serve. We are confident that the reduction in Divisions and removal of police “boundaries” will make us more effective, not less.

“Closer working at a local level, to provide a service that is not just good, but excellent.”