HAMPSHIRE police are expected to maintain high standards despite facing £25m of cuts, according to a Government minister.

Damian Green, justice minister, sent the message during a visit to Winchester earlier today in which he was testing out new police technology which the county's force is leading on nationally.

Mr Green said all forces are facing the pinch and Hampshire officers should focus on using technology to get the best results.

He said: "It's a general position and we all know what the national financial situation is and we have to save money everywhere.

"Crime has been falling more in Hampshire than other areas and that is a credit to the chief constable and the force. They have been able to find ways of doing more for less and providing a better service even through this squeeze."

He added: "I think the solution is using technology and better management to make sure every minute of every officer's time is used effectively in preventing crime."

Among the technology being tested were body worn video cameras and tablet computers which will help police make reports directly from the scene.