Strategic alliance

A three-force strategic policing alliance was formally announced last month between Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, which will enable the
development of a range of joint functions.

The announcement followed Cambridgeshire Police Authority's decision to work with Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire to explore opportunities for joint working across specialist policing, operational support and organizational support to build greater efficiency, effectiveness and resilience. The three forces and police authorities are already working together to develop a joint procurement function.

This more formal three-county collaborative venture will build on the existing Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Joint Collaboration Programme which has, over recent years, seen the development of a wide range of joint functions including a Major Crime Unit, Firearms Support Unit and Dog Unit.

Ruth Rogers, Chair of Cambridgeshire Police Authority, said: "Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire have a good track record of working together to ensure value for money and effective service for the people they serve. We look forward to working with them and gaining from their valuable experience."

Chief Constable Simon Parr added: "This is a significant decision which will enable us to develop a range of more resilient and efficient protective services and business support functions. Our overarching objective is to ensure that each organisation can continue to deliver a good quality of policing service to their communities, while helping us to close the financial 'gap' that all three forces face."

Each collaborative venture will still need formal approval by each participating Police Authority before it can take place.