Ms Debra Kirby:

I am originally from the Chicago Police Department. We went through a similar situation in terms of no hires for a given period. I oversaw the academy as well as professional development. The concern is where to balance the decisions between front-line policing and training. Sometimes they are seen as distinct lines of budget but they should not be. They are integrated and they need to be. There are innovative ways to do it. I believe there is a commitment within the organisation not only among the associations, but the people as well. The challenge is how to deliver it, particularly in a diffuse policing situation. The chief has referred to technology and other attributes that can help.

However, the concern, clearly, is about from where the money will come and how it can be supported. Sometimes, training costs come down the line and how we train and place our people must be taken into account as part of the decision.