Avon & Somerset Police have confirmed that around 86 police staff investigator (PSI) posts could be cut to save money.
The Keynsham Police Centre
PSIs help investigate and solve crimes, and staff at the Keynsham Police Centre in Ashmead Road are among those who would be affected.
An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said: “The extremely challenging national economic backdrop has had a significant impact on individuals, businesses and organisations across the country.
“We are not immune to those challenges, meaning our finances face immense pressure and we are having to make very difficult choices as a result.
“That situation is exacerbated by long-standing funding inequality which sees Avon & Somerset receive approximately £53m less funding-per-head compared to the national average, but ultimately means work has been necessary to try to identify areas where savings can be made.
“There will be no reduction in the number of officers serving within Avon & Somerset Police. Police officer roles are protected due to Government’s national Uplift programme.
“A reduction in the number of police staff investigator (PSI) posts by approximately 86 full-time equivalent positions is planned as a cost-saving measure.
“We anticipate many of these reductions will be achieved through a natural turnover in staff, whether that be moving to other roles within the service or people choosing to leave the organisation, and those subsequent vacancies not being fulfilled.
“A decision has already been made we will not seek to recruit any further PSIs for the next six months.
“Should further reductions in PSIs be required, then a formal consultation process with staff and Unison will be carried out.
“Such a decision is not made lightly and we’re committed to providing clarity at the earliest possible opportunity to those staff who may be affected as we recognise uncertainty is unsettling.
“Any further change would mean a formal consultation and we have already told staff we will not be looking to start such a process before summer 2024, should it be necessary.”
The force has not confirmed how many PSIs there currently are.
This story first appeared in The Week In, our sister title.
