Dozens of police to go in one borough alone
A cull of experienced police officers in the West Midlands will see dozens of bobbies in one area alone forced out, it emerged today.
A cull of experienced police officers in the West Midlands will see dozens of bobbies in one area alone forced out, it emerged today.
About 50 Sandwell officers have to retire over the next three years under a controversial cost-saving scheme, the head of the borough's officers revealed.
West Midlands Police Authority is forcing those with 30 years' service to retire under a regulation known as A19. Hundreds of officers are leaving under plans to save £120 million over the coming years.
News came as it was revealed tens of thousands of officers fear crime levels will soar as the Government cuts budgets by 20 per cent.
The public will get a poorer service as morale plunges among forces in the wake of the cuts, a survey of 42,000 officers in England and Wales found.
Figures obtained by the Express & Star show three chief superintendents, 31 sergeants and 121 constables left West Midlands Police by the end of March.