Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner's 100 day analysis

“I could save £65,000 easily!”

“Dave? Hello? You were going to supply that information for us?

Oh - and IsItJimKerr...did you actually read any of my post, or try any original research whatsoever (including basic google stuff - it really is your friend), before commenting? Or did you just use The Force? What clueless rubbish.”

“Dave, JimKerr,
20 to 30 percent would be a significant saving, 30 percent is as near a third as makes no difference from a headline perspective. Rather than repeating the received wisdom of op-eds in bluetop tabloids would it not be more constructive to outline in your own opinions where such significant savings could be made?

Jim, which staff are you referring to?

Dave, such a significant reduction in funding would undoubtedly effect frontline services, even if they are targetted at back-office staff. Are you as a businessman or householder prepared for the inevitable rise in insurance premiums as a result?”

“Dave, I think you are getting some undeserved criticism here.
Firstly, it's not a third of the budget, he said 20-30% (should have listened in maths classes, eh?)
Secondly, he would be stupid to give his sources, but I too know of staff, who, quite honestly, while not exactly swindling the force, would have to suffer one way or another in private sector business.
See the thing is, like the Fire Brigade, for fifty years, they have been getting allowances for this, that and the other...........most especially 'the other'!
And now finances are being reigned in, they are bleating.
They think that if they trot out the same old stories, we won't get to here about the Spanish practices, etc.
The big one they trot out is pensions.
Yes, it's about time the contributions went up, try getting the payout they get from an insurance company with their level of conts.
And as well, retiring at fifty, full pension........ah, but how would you feel if a fifty year old had to try and arrest a burglar? is the old trotted out rubbish. Well firstly, there are light duties that they can do, and anyway, they retire at fifty, then go and find quite heavy jobs in civvy street, that is if they're not already doing a second job, as we've heard this weekend!”

“Dave - maybe you've heard of the phrase "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence"...?

So - you claim to know the secret behind saving nearly a third of the Police budget locally? This requires extraordinary evidence.

Believe me, I'm all TOO well aware of certain savings that might be made, as well as expenditure that NEEDS to be made - but you appear to have this all sewn up!!

So - rather than getting me to "ask anyone who has worked there", which is a pathetic cop-out if we're honest - can you please explain how you arrived at this figure of being able to save nearly a third of Glos constabulary's budget? I'm sure Mr Surl would love to know! We are waiting on your genius!!”

“Ask anyone who has worked there recently and has had the capability to reviewing the efficiency of their operations.

Much red tape and bureaucracy could be streamlined and simplified and the procurement costs significant lowered. You don't need to have a team of overpaid consultants to find them either.”

“Um - yeah - Dave - can you provide source? I'm sure many would like to know? Please reply ASAP as you obviously have important information. Thanks.”

“Dave, perhaps you can provide us with your source of information?”

“Well the first 50 days are over already, so presumably not much longer to wait before we see some much needed reform and shakeup of the Police. Efficiencies of 20-30% should be achievable for no cost.”