Police merger ruled out

The police and crime commissioners from each area — Dr Alan Billings and Matthew Grove — met last week to talk about further money-saving “collaboration” to share support services while protecting frontline officers and staff.

The two forces already share resources on IT and human resources and have further savings to make this year.

But a spokeswoman for Dr Billing said he was “very clear” that this is not a merger of the two organisations and “each force will retain its own identity”.

Dr Billings said: “We have to look to do things more efficiently and smarter.

“I am extremely pleased to be collaborating with Humberside Police and look forward to working with Matthew to implement some highly effective efficiency savings.”

A separate agreement has been reached between South Yorkshire Police and Humberside Police to develop a joint Specialist Operational Service, which covers areas such as firearms and road policing.