Herts Police back out of G4S deal
Hertfordshire police and crime commissioner David Lloyd - Credit: Archant
PLANS to outsource some of the county’s police services to private security firm G4S have been abandoned.
The decision to end negotiations with the company came following a meeting on Tuesday night between David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Herts, and his counterparts in Beds and Cambs.
The three police authorities were looking to outsource management of several departments, including legal, IT and finance, to G4S to help tackle a £73million shortfall in government funding.
Commissioner Lloyd said: “I have always said that I would make my decision once the evidence was received and assessed.
“It is now clear that the G4S framework contract through Lincolnshire Police was not suitable for the unique position of the three forces.
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“All this means is that we will not be contracting with G4S through this contract. I am already in discussion with other market providers and will continue to talk with G4S about how they can assist policing support services in Hertfordshire.
“My clear position is that all elements of support work will be considered for outsourcing or other use of the market.”
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He added: “I made my decision based on evidence and on the recommendations from the Chief Constables. I still believe that substantial elements of policing support services will be best delivered by the private sector and will ensure that this option is immediately pursued.
“We will now move forward looking at Organisational Support services, as before.”
Herts Police Unison, which has openly opposed the proposals, welcomed this week’s decision and urged the force to collaborate with Beds and Cambs police in areas considered for outsourcing.
Branch chairman Steph Raddings said: “As a branch we have consistently argued that the best solution for the constabulary, our members and the public of Hertfordshire is not outsourcing to a profit-making organisation with little knowledge of service delivery in policing.
“It saddens us that the Hertfordshire Police Authority did not provide leadership in seeking an alternative to outsourcing on the Lincolnshire G4S framework and that opportunities to make significant savings internally have been missed while G4S outsourcing was progressed.”
Last summer G4S came under criticism for failing to provide enough security guards at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
