SPALDING will be in safe hands – with more bobbies on the beat in spite of concerns policing levels would be cut.
Fears for the town’s force followed a report from the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) last month.
In it, Lincolnshire Police was highlighted as one of three forces in the country at risk of not having “a sufficiently efficient or effective service”.
HMIC noticed that Lincolnshire was planning one of the largest cuts in staff (non-officer roles), with an overall reduction of around 51 per cent.
This sparked concerns for levels of police cover for the Spalding district, but according to Sgt Stuart Hurst, three new officers are currently in training to be drafted to the town and interest in joining the local Special Constabulary has never been as good.
He said: “The fact that Lincolnshire is already the worst-funded police force in the country is no secret and yet we are the second biggest geographical area.
“Things are getting tighter – but expectations from the public are higher.
“So it is excellent to be able to give some good news that we are getting three more officers.”
Currently, they are in training at police headquarters, and it is hoped they will be on the beat before the end of the year.
In the meantime, interest in joining the voluntary Special Constabularly is encouraging.
Sgt Hurst said: “We recently held a recruitment drive and the room was packed with about 30 people. Many of them took forms away.
“It’s not easy being a cop and the support of the volunteers is vital to us being able to get on with the job.”
One woman who has taken up the challenge of becoming a special constable is a 46-year-old mum-of-three.
She already has a full-time job working with special needs children but gives up to 40 hours a week of her ‘spare’ time to the local force.
SC Thompson said: “I’ve always wanted to join the police force, but at the moment I’m happy doing this.
“I get a huge amount of satisfaction in helping people – it’s what it’s all about. I’d recommend it to anyone. Young people can offer a lot – but mature volunteers have more life experience.”
Chief Insp Paul Timmins said: “As part of the on going comprehensive spending review for policing services, Lincolnshire Police is constantly looking at ways to be more efficient with reduced resources.
“There are currently no plans for any significant changes to policing services at Spalding.”