MHK's concerns over police cuts

Isle of Man Constabulary has budget of £12million

The prospect of further cuts to the Isle of Man Constabulary's budget will be raised in Tynwald next week.

Douglas North MHK David Ashford says the force, with a current budget of around £12 million, has absorbed substantial cuts in recent years.

A historic low crime rate and one of the highest detection rates in the British Isles suggest there has been scope to reduce funding.

But Mr Ashford says the nature of crime is changing - with complex financial crime investigations for instance, taking up huge resources.

Mr Ashford will ask the home affairs minister whether he'll resist any more cuts as the next Manx budget is prepared.

He believes extra funding may be needed.