RADICAL plans to slash the number of frontline police officers by 28,000 and have civilian staff pick up some of their work could lead to “policing on the cheap”, Hampshire federation chiefs fear.

Instead the numbers on the frontline should be bolstered to improve public confidence, say bosses of the organisation that represents the county’s rank and file officers.

The comments came as Home Office officials yesterday met with senior police chiefs from England and Wales to discuss an overhaul of working practices among the 43 police forces in England and Wales.

Under the plans, thousands more civilian staff could be used to do jobs currently carried out by uniformed officers. But county federation bosses say that the idea should be treated with caution.

Vice-chairman Jon Apter said: “I think it’s healthy to have a mix, but that mix has to be appropriate.

“What is wrong is police officers being left deskbound by bureaucracy when what they want is to be out on the frontline.”

Hampshire Constabulary has only just started hiring officers again following a recruitment freeze that was put in place last year that saw the loss of 100 officer posts.

Mr Apter added: “Any plan that could mean we lose more would certainly set alarm bells ringing.

“If anything, the numbers should be bolstered.”