AN ALLIANCE between three police forces was formally announced today (Tuesday) which will help “close the financial gap” that each constabulary faces.

Forces for Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire will explore opportunities for a range of joint functions in an attempt to build greater efficiency, effectiveness and resilence.

The announcement comes following collaborative work between Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire in recent years with a joint Major Crime Unit, Firearms Support Unit and Dog Unit all in place, with a joint ICT department soon to be implemented.

Stuart Nagler, chair of Hertfordshire Police Authority, said: “In the current challenging economic climate, all three forces and police authorities are keen to explore ways in which frontline services can be protected whilst generating financial efficiencies.

“I warmly welcome Cambridgeshire Police Authority’s decision today and look forward to working with our new partners.”

Herts police chief constable Frank Whiteley added: “This is a significant decision which will enable us to develop a range of more resilient and efficient protective services and business support functions.

“Our overarching objective is to ensure that each organisation can continue to deliver a good quality of policing service to their communities, whilst helping us to close the financial ‘gap’ that all three forces face.”

Each collaborative venture will still need formal approval by each participating Police Authority before it can take place.