Tough decisions for Island's chief constable

The Island's chief constable says he must make tough decisions on long-term policing strategy as the force takes its share of budget cuts.

Gary Roberts has warned 'something will have to give', because 90 per cent of his budget is spent on staff costs.

The Department of Home Affairs' budget will be cut by 2.1 per cent this year, with further reductions forecast for the next three years.

Neighbourhood policing is held up as largely responsible for a 40 per cent reduction in overall crime over the past five years, but there are strong indications the force's flagship programme will be reviewed.

Chief Constable Roberts told Marian Kenny he faces a difficult balancing act in meeting the bottom line: