A police federation official has defended officers in Northamptonshire following an accusation they were overpaid and under performing.
Neil Goosey, joint branch board secretary of Northamptonshire Police Federation, which represents “rank and file officers” across the county, said claims the force had too many managers were too simplistic.
His comments come as Adam Simmonds, the Conservative Police & Crime Commissioner, today said the force was too top heavy. He based the comments on a report made by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC).
Mr Simmonds today said: “In football terms we are paying out big Manchester City money for League Two results.”
However, Mr Goosey said: “The quest that leaps off the page for me is what are we calling a manager?
“We have some very senior people doing some very important work who are put at a manager’s grade but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are managers.
“My response would be you have to look at what actually lies beyond the base figures.”
In a statement released this afternoon, Deirdre Newham, chairman of Northamptonshire Police Authority, the body being scrapped in favour of commissioners, also defended the force.
She said: “HMIC has praised the force’s efforts in respect of value for money and it made more than £14 million savings in the past two years as part of its ongoing work to respond to the budget deficit. This includes significant streamlining of management structures, as providing the very best frontline service remains the absolute priority.
“There is still plenty to be done and the force is ambitious about further reducing crime and providing excellent services to the people of the county. It will be a key role of the PCC to work with the Force in addressing the challenges faced through a significantly reduced budget.”
Mr Simmonds, along with Jim MacArthur, UKIP, John Norrie, independent, and Paul Varnsverry, Liberal Democrat, are all hoping to become the county’s first Police & Crime Commissioner following an election on Thursday.