Cambridgeshire: Police G4S Deal Dropped
30 January 2013, 09:32 | Updated: 30 January 2013, 09:41
Plans to outsource some Cambridgeshire Police support services to private company G4S have been dropped.
Along with the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire forces, Cambridgeshire was looking into the possibility of outsourcing around 1,100 roles including Human Resources, IT and finance to the security contractor.
G4S already works in a similar partnership with Lincolnshire Police.
There were claims the proposal would save the three forces a total of £73 million.
However, concerns were raised after G4S was forced to admit failings around its contract to provide security at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
It led to police officers and 3,500 extra troops being deployed to support the operation.
Following a meeting of the Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioners, the proposals have now been dropped.
Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Sir Graham Bright said: "I have worked with the commissioners and chief constables for Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire to evaluate the framework delivered by G4S in Lincolnshire.
Following a rigorous review we have come to the shared decision not to proceed further.
I still firmly think that working closely with other forces is the key to making the savings needed in the future.
I have always said that I am not against outsourcing completely.
I will make any decisions about how services are provided in the future based on what is in the best interests of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
I look forward to continuing to work closely with Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire to meet the financial challenges that face us all."