Devon and Cornwall Police are told to make £2.8m cut

Image caption, The force said frontline policing would be protected wherever possible

27 May 2010

Devon and Cornwall Police have been told to cut £2.8m in this financial year's budget by the government.

Forces across England and Wales are being asked by the Home Office to cut a total of £125m as part of government plans to cut the budget deficit.

Chief Constable Stephen Otter said the news coming part way through the year was "undoubtedly difficult".

He added police were already working across the organisation to find savings and make the best use of resources.

Policing Minister Nick Herbert said that police were being required "to make a fair share of the savings needed" as part of planned Home Office cuts totalling £367m.

Chief Constable Stephen Otter said the force had been preparing for funding cuts for some time and he had been open and upfront regarding the challenges it was to face over the next three years.

He added: "We are committed to working with the Devon and Cornwall Police Authority in ensuring the public continue to receive the best service from Devon and Cornwall officers and that the front line of policing is protected wherever possible.