PCC Demands Revamp in Police Funding to Save Lincolnshire Force

Marc Jones, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire, has urged the government to rethink the financial structure supporting the country’s police forces. He pointed out the imminent monetary catastrophe facing Lincolnshire Police due to antiquated financial allotments and evolving responsibilities. Without increased finances, the force is at risk of insolvency and might lose up to 200 officers, along with a similar number of auxiliary staff. While the Home Office confirmed they are working with Lincolnshire Police to preserve public safety and counter crime, Jones stressed how the existing funding system neglects to comprehend the unique difficulties posed by Lincolnshire’s expansive rural terrain. The system was set up over twenty years ago and is inherently biased towards city regions, as a result, rural provinces like Lincolnshire have been neglected. Despite a surge in funding, the difference continues, and local tax contributions are escalating at a slower pace because of fewer households. As negotiations with the Home Office carry on, Jones underlined the shifting role of police officers, who increasingly need to adopt duties paralleling those of social workers.
This article has been adapted from a report by bbc.com by The Lincoln Post.