Volunteer police could be used to keep Hampshire's marine unit going, says crime commissioner Michael Lane
Speaking at a Police and Crime Panel meeting in Winchester today, Mr Lane said he reiterated that he intervened to save the unit - including using special officers who have others jobs but volunteer as police.
It comes after there was a huge outcry from coastal groups when the marine unit’s funding was cut by government.
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Hide AdFurther cutbacks were stopped by Mr Lane, he told the panel at its last meeting and today.
Mr Lane said there was a ‘professional review plan with the chief constable’ over the unit’s future.
He said: ‘I wouldn’t like to predict what they say.’
But he said: ‘We do need to maximise how we engage with other partners.
‘We might extend the specials or look at engagement with formed groups.’
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Hide AdHe said he had no preconceived ideas but added: ‘I’m determined we don’t find ourselves without an option to sustain it.’
The cost of intervening to keep the unit is £557,000. It now serves just Hampshire, having previously served the coastline of three counties.