Cumbria’s Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, has announced a strategic shift in police resource allocation. Officers previously assigned to the control room in Penrith will be redeployed to frontline duties. This decision comes after years of budget cuts that saw significant reductions in police staffing.
Between 2010 and 2017, Cumbria faced a budget reduction of over £20 million. This financial strain led to the closure of several police stations and a 25% reduction in civilian staff. As a result, police officers were moved into control room roles to fill the gap left by civilian staff.
Current Staffing in the Control Room
According to a recent Freedom of Information request, there are currently 52 qualified police officers working in the control room at Carleton Hall, Penrith. At one point, this number reached 67. Commissioner Allen believes this is excessive and aims to reduce it further.
Role of Officers in the Control Room
Officers in the control room are essential for taking initial crime reports and providing Crime Reference Numbers. These numbers are crucial for civilians when making insurance claims. However, Allen emphasises the need for civilian staff to fulfil these roles, allowing more officers to return to active policing.
Funding and New Recruitment
Last year, Cumbria Constabulary received a £1.68 million Neighbourhood Policing Grant from the Home Office. This funding has enabled the hiring of 16 civilian officers for the control room, facilitating the redeployment of 16 police officers back to frontline duties. Additionally, the grant has supported the recruitment of 26 new Community Beat Officers.
Future Goals for the Police Force
The police force aims to recruit up to 60 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and eight Special Constables. Allen acknowledges that while not every officer will be visible on the streets, it is important to adapt to changing crime trends, with 50% of crime now occurring online.
Officers on Restricted Duties
Some officers remain in the control room due to ‘restricted duties’ caused by injuries or health conditions. These officers may also be placed in the control room until they pass their Job Related Fitness Test. This policy ensures that all officers are fit for frontline responsibilities when possible.
