Security firm to run police services

The landmark £200 million deal with G4S will see a new state-of-the-art police station built in the county, and a range of services provided by the security firm.

The partnership is thought to be first of its kind in the UK.

From 1st April and for the next ten years, G4S Policing Support Services will run administrative and operational services that were delivered by civilian staff and police officers.

Two-thirds of staff employed by the force will be transferred to the private sector, in areas like HR, IT, fleet management, and custody services.

A major proportion of the anticipated savings will come from at least one new, high-tech police station with 30 cells, designed and built by G4S.

The station will house up to 120 police staff and its eco-friendly, energy efficient design will cut running costs, saving around £5 million over the next ten years.

A new framework agreement with ten similar sized UK police authorities will also allow forces to share the savings they are able to generate.

And a new shared services centre based in Lincolnshire will allow other police authorities to buy services like HR, payroll and finance from Lincolnshire – currently provided separately for each police force.

Lincolnshire Police Authority chairman Barry Young said the Force was ‘leading the way’.

“By taking over a range of support functions, G4S will contribute to the Force’s aim of being able to put 97 per cent of its warranted officers in front line roles by April,” said Mr Young.

“Crucially, the new strategic partnership will also deliver significant infrastructure investment to offset Government budget reductions.”

Kim Challis, group managing director for G4S Government and Outsourcing Services said the deal would put Lincolnshire at the heart of Britain’s policing future.

“This is an exciting time for Lincolnshire and we are proud to be part of it,” she said.