But police are now subjected to stringent financial controls, and some senior officers argue the level of accountabiltiy has led to too much time being taken on paperwork. Some areas feel more pressure than others. Some specialist crime squads are believed to have taken a 12per cent budget cut this financial year. An internal review will almost certainly result in the amalgamation of some squads early next year. While senior police will argue they are responding to new crime trends, one major reason will be to save money.
Some detectives feel the lack of money is cutting into investigations.
Detectives in the serious crime squads are paid an annual allowance equal to about 100 hours of overtime but they routinely work up to 600 hours of overtime for free. Many are bitter about the lack of resources. ONE OF the four most powerful men in the force has never worn the uniform. The former education department senior public servant is helping reform one of the 10 biggest police forces in the Western world. While some rank and file members grumble about lack of money to do the job and external critics say police numbers need to be increased, Mr Comrie can produce figures to say his reforms are working.