Police could call in outside firms to investigate crimes in dramatic step towards privatisation

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 1:06 PM on 3rd March 2012

Private firms could take over police duties for investigating crimes, patrolling neighbourhoods and detaining suspects under a radical scheme proposed by two of the country’s largest forces.

West Midlands and Surrey have put a contract to tender on behalf of all England and Wales police forces – and major security companies like G4s have been invited to bid to provide services.

The contract, worth up to £3.5billion over seven years depending on the number of forces involved, is the largest move towards privatisation of the police yet.

It dwarfs the recent £200million contract between Lincolnshire police and G4S, which involves the company building and managing a police station as well as hiring half the force’s existing civilian staff.

The move is a response to significant cuts to police funding. But critics warn that outsourcing police functions could prove a ‘dangerous experiment with local safety’.

FULL STORY: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2109606/Police-outside-firm...