Private firm wins £200m police deal

Private security firm G4S has won a £200 million contract to provide "middle and back office functions" for a police force, the company said today.

The contract to supply Lincolnshire Police, worth at least £200 million over the next 10 years, is the first of its kind to be let by a British police authority and is expected to lead to savings of £28 million, G4S said.

Private staff will take over a series of roles - from HR and finance to custody services and fleet management, which are currently carried out by police officers and civilians - from April next year, the firm said.

John Shaw, managing director of G4S Police Support Services, said the deal "can only lead to a better outcome for the people of Lincolnshire and the taxpayer in general".

"We're delighted to have been selected to deliver this important contract, which is the first of its kind in the UK," he said.

"Lincolnshire is leading the way in responding to the challenges of the economic environment and this transformation project will mean many of the services provided by Lincolnshire Policewill now be delivered externally by specialists who can deliver greater savings and improve efficiency.

"We believe that the combination of Lincolnshire's policing model and our expertise in delivering middle and back office functions will improve services and deliver the savings the authority needs."

Barry Young, chairman of Lincolnshire Police Authority, added: "As well as providing back office functions, the contract will include an opportunity for the design and build of two, purpose-built custody suites, which would be staffed by G4S custody detention officers under the guidance of Lincolnshire Police custody sergeants.

"The suites, which are specially designed by G4S, would be the first to be constructed in the UK and would allow the police to close old and out-of-date cells in town centre policestations, as well as freeing up warranted officers for crime prevention."

PA