A WIDESPREAD reorganisation aimed at cutting out inefficiency and improving the service given by Lancashire Police is set to be finalised in a month's time.

But Chief Constable Pauline Clare has dismissed fears that the plan, which will involve trimming HQ operations and reorganising police divisions, will result in job losses. Mrs Clare has declared that the reorganisation, designed to take the force into the 21st Century, is aimed at making the people of Lancashire feel safe, involved and reassured.

She will present detailed plans to the county's police authority at a special meeting on July 29 before putting them into operation in August.

Among the changes being considered are:

Scrapping the current system of 14 local police divisions introduced in June 1994 and replacing them with larger command centres with immediate access to specialist resources. The new boundaries are expected to be operating next April.

Trimming headquarters staff, putting more officers on the streets and making sure they spend less time in the police station.

Investing in technology to help keep track of national and international crimes such as drugs trafficking.

Improving the selection, training and motivation of staff.

Cutting out inefficiency and inflexible management.

The changes follow a survey earlier this year which revealed people believed the police's top five priorities were responding to emergencies, investigating crime, enforcing drink driving laws, dealing with disturbances and nuisance and maintaining visible patrols.

Further consultations are being held and Blackburn Council has also expressed concern about how the changes to divisions will affect its impending unitary status.

Mrs Clare said: "I think what the public is most concerned about is the service they are going to get at a local level.

"Through positive leadership, teamwork, support and partnership we will constantly strive to improve the quality of the service we provide to the public and make Lancashire a safer place."

The cutting of the number of divisions will leave some superintendents currently commanding divisions without a position. The re-organisation will also affect the force's 2,000 civilian staff.

But Mrs Clare said: "You can never say there will not be any redundancies but I don't foresee any job losses. People will be redeployed and the superintendents who are no longer commanding divisions will be given other, worthwhile jobs to do."

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