Police plea for cash to avoid ‘perfect storm’

POLICE demanded more cash yesterday as they warned forces face a ‘perfect storm’ through staff shortages and rising crime.

Representatives of all but the chief officer ranks said everyday services are only available thanks to fewer employees working more hours.

Chief Supt Gavin Thomas, who leads the Police Superintendents’ Association, warned the model is ‘ fundamentally flawed’ and could put the public at risk.

Confronting police minister Nick Hurd at the association’s annual conference in Stratford-upon-Avon, he said: ‘We have a perfect storm developing, comprised of fewer resources, reduced public services, new threats, and a worrying increase in some types of traditional crime.’

Mr Hurd said ‘we are not deaf’ but any budget decisions must be ‘rooted in evidence and not assertion’.

A pay review body is expected to announce soon whether an effective pay freeze for police officers will end.