POLICE in Suffolk and Norfolk are to work in closer partnership in a bid to provide improved performance at a smaller cost to the tax-payer, it was claimed today.

POLICE in Suffolk and Norfolk are to work in closer partnership in a bid to provide improved performance at a smaller cost to the tax-payer, it was claimed today.

Although the link is in its infancy, the forces are planning to develop initiatives together in a number of key areas.

Similar associations are likely to be developed between other forces elsewhere in the UK.

In a police authority report, it was revealed that £450,000 would be put aside over the next three years to fund the collaboration.

The report states: “It has been recognised that forces may wish to seek closer partnership with a neighbouring force to progress work on a two-force basis.

“Suffolk and Norfolk are therefore exploring much closer ties.

“Over the coming months we will be developing a number of initiatives to both improve performance and save money.”

A Suffolk police spokesman said the link would provide “economies of scale”.

Joanna Spicer, a member of the police authority and county council portfolio holder for public protection, said the move would focus principally on “back room services” and not frontline policing.

“We have a long border with Norfolk and I feel very strongly that we need to work with neighbouring authorities while still retaining our individual identities.

“I am totally opposed to any amalgamation, but it makes sense to work together.

“We are both small forces and if we can share the odd post, so much the better.”

The proposals follow an aborted attempt by the government to merge police forces in the east of England, which was said to have cost more than £1m.

Plans were in place to amalgamate forces in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire until the move was cancelled by the Home Office in July 2005.

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