Following public expenditure cuts and other austerity measures in the United Kingdom in 2010, the City of London police commissioner has made soundings about privatizing some sections of the police force who deal with fraud (Financial Times, 16th January 2011). Over £30 billion of fraud is committed annually in the UK. With a 20% cut in the budget for the City of London police, the police commissioners have to find ways to be efficient while maintaining service. To this end, the City police commissioner suggested that banks and financial institutions could contribute to the fight against fraud as it’s in their own interest, he touted. The force, together with the Financial Services Authority, has also applied for a share of a £650 million fund to fight cybercrime. The funds would allow the police to employ specialized technology experts, who are not police officers but systems and technology professionals. Other areas of police activity are also under the outsourcing spotlight. Custody cells and private criminal investigators are also being considered by some police forces.

Questions

1. Do you think it would be difficult to ascertain the costs of some police services, such as custody cells, to allow for comparison with private operators’ prices?

2. Would the quality of any police services suffer if transferred to private firms?