Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Private security firm G4S has won a £200 million contract to provide "middle and back office functions" for a police force, the company said today.
The contract to supply Lincolnshire Police, worth at least £200 million over the next 10 years, is the first of its kind to be let by a British police authority and is expected to lead to savings of £28 million, G4S said.
Private staff will take over a series of roles - from HR and finance to custody services and fleet management, which are currently carried out by police officers and civilians - from April next year, the firm said.
John Shaw, managing director of G4S Police Support Services, said the deal "can only lead to a better outcome for the people of Lincolnshire and the taxpayer in general".
"We're delighted to have been selected to deliver this important contract, which is the first of its kind in the UK," he said.
"Lincolnshire is leading the way in responding to the challenges of the economic environment and this transformation project will mean many of the services provided by Lincolnshire Policewill now be delivered externally by specialists who can deliver greater savings and improve efficiency.
"We believe that the combination of Lincolnshire's policing model and our expertise in delivering middle and back office functions will improve services and deliver the savings the authority needs."
Barry Young, chairman of Lincolnshire Police Authority, added: "As well as providing back office functions, the contract will include an opportunity for the design and build of two, purpose-built custody suites, which would be staffed by G4S custody detention officers under the guidance of Lincolnshire Police custody sergeants.
"The suites, which are specially designed by G4S, would be the first to be constructed in the UK and would allow the police to close old and out-of-date cells in town centre policestations, as well as freeing up warranted officers for crime prevention."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments