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November 2009
There has been widespread speculation and concern over Surrey Police’s plans to sell off many of its buildings and place police officers in local councils instead, after snippets of the proposals were leaked last week.
There are still many questions to be asked as to the viability of such plans, but it could have its advantages. According to Chief Constable Mark Rowley, this restructuring would allow for up to 200 more Bobbies on the beat on Surrey’s streets.
Rumours abound that Dorking police station is likely to be one of the stations moving, to be in partnership with another agency such as the Mole Valley District Council. If, indeed, Surrey Police do push through plans to relocate local policing teams to council offices, could Pippbrook, which currently houses Mole Valley District Council, be used for Dorking police?
Sir Paul met with Chief Supt Charlie Doyle – head of Mole Valley policing - on 25th November to hear about Surrey Police’s plans and to report back to the local press with how they will impact on Mole Valley. It appears that Dorking police station is likely to go and officers could be located at Pippbrook or in a shop premises. Sir Paul was pleased to hear that some of the 200 extra staff are likely to be placed in Dorking and he hopes that Surrey Police will take on board the suggestion of appointing a School Liaison Officer in the town.
It is clear that Surrey Police have been forced to make dramatic restructuring plans due to the immense financial pressure they have been pout under by ever-decreasing central funding support from this Government. Sir Paul is impressed that by simplifying the Force’s structure and cutting bureaucracy Surrey Police will be able to invest in 200 new frontline police officers.
Rowley said, “This review is necessary to find ways to continue delivering this excellent service against an over-all reducing budget from Government for policing.
“We want to fix our funding issues and at the same time we want to deliver more police officers on the streets than we have ever had before.
“We believe this is the best way of spending taxpayers' money and giving the public what they have been asking for.”
Of course, nothing is yet set in stone and Surrey Police Authority will need to approve Surrey Police’s plans at their next meeting in December.
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