Police force warns it could cut 200 officers

Lincolnshire Police said it could cut 200 officers by 2028 as it looks to cover a £14m budget gap.

The force said, following the government's funding settlement for policing announcement, it was looking to reduce police officer numbers to 1,000.

It added it was exploring "several difficult decisions" which include a reduction in police staff numbers.

Chief Constable Paul Gibson said the force would also cancel its upcoming police officer intake for March this year.

"We are facing some very difficult decisions and cancelling the next police officer intake is just the first of what is likely to be many to come," said Mr Gibson.

"I do not underestimate the impact this is likely to have had on those planning to join in March but, sadly, we have been left with no other option because of the financial constraints imposed upon us."

He stressed no definitive decisions had been made and further options would be based on "what best protects and keeps communities in Lincolnshire safe".

The Lincolnshire police and crime commissioner Marc Jones said the force faced an "unprecedented" financial challenge.

"For many years our county force has been structurally underfunded," Mr Jones said.

"The gaps have been plugged with effective financial management and reserves that is no longer enough. The gap is simply too great.

"Savings amounting to £14m this year alone, rising to £20m in coming years, must be found and that makes it impossible for the force to continue in its current form.

"I continue to try everything from lobbying to legal action to get this issue resolved with government. We all deserve better from Westminster."

Asked on the Today programme about forces making cuts, Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said she would not "pretend it's not challenging for police forces" but overall an "extra £1.1bn was going" into policing.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.