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Gwent Police considers zero-hours detectives following a surge in murder investigations
Overview
Gwent Police is considering hiring detectives on zero-hours style contracts to cope with an unprecedented rise in murder investigations, having launched 11 probes in the past 10 months compared to the usual two or three per year. Chief Constable Mark Hobrough stated that the surge has led to record overtime payments and required neighbourhood officers to be pulled away from community policing duties, raising concerns about staff burnout and trauma.
Key points
- Gwent Police has launched 11 murder investigations in the past 10 months, compared to the typical two or three per year.
- Chief Constable Mark Hobrough is considering using cheaper alternatives such as zero-hours style contracts for interviews and special investigations if the trend continues.
- The surge in demand has resulted in record overtime payments and the redeployment of neighbourhood officers away from community policing.
- Hobrough highlighted concerns regarding staff burnout and trauma following harrowing incidents, including a dog attack involving a baby and multiple murder scenes.
- The chief constable confirmed there is no link between the murder cases, which involve various factors such as organised crime, mental health issues, substance misuse, and domestic violence.