MAJOR changes to the way policing is carried out in Hampshire have been announced today.

Chief constable Andy Marsh warned there are “tough decisions ahead” as he revealed how Hampshire Constabulary will be structured amid continued budget cuts.

The announcement was made following a meeting with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes this morning.

He revealed a focus will be placed on prevention and neighbourhoods, response and patrol, and investigation.

He said the new structure is the “only viable way” to deliver the extra £25m it needs to safeguard its service to the public and continue its sustainability to staff.

A “targeted patrol” team will be created and deployed in a way using the resources it has available to respond to emergencies and patrols.

Ch constable Marsh said there will be new ways to “build public trust” and working with partners across the criminal justice system to solve crime and its causes.

From November 1, four new leadership roles will be created to oversee the development of future plans.

Ch supt Dave Hardcastle will oversee intelligence and co-ordination, Ch supt Jason Hogg will head prevention and neighbourhoods, Ch supt Rich John will oversee response and patrol, while Det ch supt Sarah Glen will head investigation.

Ch constable Marsh said: “It will surprise nobody that there are tough decisions ahead.

“What I am not prepared to do is to continue in a direction that is unsustainable, risks public safety and locks in unreasonable pressure on staff and officers.

“We have to look properly at the benefits of doing things differently, understand and assess the risks attached, use this to make decisions, and then be open and transparent about what this means in terms of what we can (and can't) deliver for the public. This will take a short period of time, but we will do it properly and it is worth it.”

“In each area the objectives are to drive the social change outlined in our Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan, to better support our staff and officers and to reduce unnecessarily bureaucratic management structures and silo working. As we design the future we will also define more clearly what we expect in terms of values and behaviours within our organisation.

"Alongside Collaboration, Joint Working and the Commissioner's Estates strategy (a fundamental enabler for us), getting the four service areas right is crucial. I believe that this offers the only viable way to deliver the extra £25m we need to save in a way that future proofs our service to the public and is sustainable for our employees. There is, however, risk attached with any such change. That is why I have agreed with the Commissioner that more work is required to assess that risk.”

“Hampshire Constabulary has much to be proud of. In making these changes I intend to protect the very best and most important of what we do and stand for, creating a service organisation where we can fulfil the vocation that is policing and flourish as individuals and as a team.

“What I have heard loud and clear from all sides is that if we are to achieve this in the future we need to manage and reduce our demand, and to work, organise and lead ourselves differently.

“In keeping with the way in which we have arrived at this point, the next stage of defining the future will be hallmarked by working closely with those closest to the situation on the ground - our staff and officers - and engaging with our partners and with the public.

“I am sure that this statement will prompt many questions. We do not have answers to all of these at the moment. Rest assured that you will have plenty of opportunity to have your say and you will receive regular updates from me and from your lead on the new Force Executive as we build up to November 4 and beyond.

“Thank you in advance for your support.”