Humberside Police to disband horse unit in bid to save cash
HUMBERSIDE Police's mounted section is being scrapped to save money.
Chief Constable Tim Hollis said the decision to disband the unit, made up of six horses, will save £500,000 a year.
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'Significant sum': Scrapping the mounted section will save the force £2 million over four years.
The horses are used for public-order policing at football matches, protests and large events.
The force needs to save £11 million over the next five years after the Government cut its budget by 20 per cent.
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Mr Hollis said: "I have made this decision with a note of sadness, but we are in a period when sentiment hits austerity and hard decisions must be made.
"The budget is under huge pressure and that is only going to get harder, so decisions like this are inevitable.
"I realise the public and many officers, both serving and retired, will regret the loss of a mounted section which has been an integral part of policing across Humberside for so many years.
"I have spoken with the Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Grove and he fully understands, but he does share my sadness and knows the public will be disappointed."
After the unit is disbanded in March next year, police will hire horses from other forces for large events.
The horses in the unit could be relocated to other police forces or retired. Mr Hollis said only a quarter of police forces retain a mounted section.
Mr Hollis said: "We will still buy horses in for high-risk football matches and events like Hull Fair, but what we will miss are the hearts and minds patrols when they are out and about. The public do like to see the horses.
Mr Hollis personally met with the six police officers and three staff working within the unit to inform them of his decision.
Although the officers will be moved to work in other areas of the force, the stable hands are likely to lose their jobs.
"It is sad for them because they are very proud and very committed, but I explained our financial position and the decision I have made," said Mr Hollis.
Mr Hollis said he wanted to make a decision on the future of the section before he retires next month.
"This has been something we have been looking at hard for months and I felt it would have been grossly unfair to leave this decision to my successor. It is unambiguously my decision.
"We have to make significant savings and £2 million over four years is a significant sum of money.
The stables at Walkington, where the horses are based, will be sold, with the funds made available to the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Police dogs, which are currently based at the same site, will be relocated.
5 Comments
by porcelainblak
Saturday, February 02 2013, 10:27PM
“Don't suppose the intext advert for pet food is a pun is it . . . . . ?
On a serious note, plebian has got it spot on, and what a coincidence that this happens upon the appearance of Mr Grove! This stinks to high heaven, wonder how many more loyal staff he'll stab in the back before his term is finished?”
by Beagleyes
Saturday, February 02 2013, 6:33PM
“Well look on the bright side - at least the horses WON,T end in up burgers ......”
by harryX
Saturday, February 02 2013, 12:13PM
“Mr Hollis said he wanted to make a decision and it's unambiguously his decision. Yeh right!
But it just happens to coincide with the appointment of the Police and Crime Commissioner whose primary role is slashing police budgets and "the stables at Walkington, where the horses are based, will be sold, with the funds made available to the Police and Crime Commissioner."”
by plebian
Saturday, February 02 2013, 11:30AM
“How can it possibly cost £500,000 (a conveniently round and large figure) to keep 6 horses properly cared for? My affluent daughter has a horse and it astounds me that she spends just under £10,000 on its food, accommodation, vet bills, equipment,etc.(multiply this by 6 and we get...)
The police officers will remain so its a phoney saving. There are many horse enthusiasts who can`t afford their own horse and would be enthusistic and reliable volunteers to look after these superb animals and keep them serving the local community. This solution would need a bit of vision and organisation so I guess its out of the question.”
by davendogs
Saturday, February 02 2013, 10:44AM
“Chief Constable Tim, I'll take one. Significant supply of steak, me dogs would appreciate the bones.”