An agreement has been reached for a 'large-scale strategic alliance' between Devon and Cornwall and Dorset police, raising concerns over jobs and privatisation of some services.

The move is being made due to government cuts to police budgets, with "significant cost savings" already been identified in the region of £12 million spread across both forces.

The strategic alliance is not a merger of the two forces, with two police and crime commissioners and two chief constables will remain in post but some policing function delivered jointly by the two forces working together under one operating model, which will lead to shared leadership in some functions.

Over the next 12 months, the organisations will consider exactly which functions should be delivered jointly, with "the possibility of some services being delivered outside of the organisations, in public or private partnerships".

Any changes would involve consultation with officers and staff in each force.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon & Cornwall Tony Hogg said: “There is overwhelming evidence that we can achieve substantial savings in areas of joint working and through close collaboration.

“Policing resources are already stretched and will become increasingly so over the coming years. We must explore every way of making efficiencies so that we can protect those front line policing priorities that really matter to the public. In entering into this strategic alliance, we will continue to explore all options to maximise efficiency and effectiveness in both forces, which may include using external providers for certain areas of our work.”

Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: “Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police are natural partners for an alliance. Not only are we similar in terms of our geography and communities, but also in our policing styles. I am delighted to have signed this agreement today.

“The coming months and years will be challenging as we look to develop services that work more effectively for communities in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and the Isles of Scilly. We are determined to make the transition as easy as possible for all those affected – and in particular for our communities who rightly deserve the best possible policing service.”

Nigel Rabbitts, chairman of the Devon & Cornwall Police Federation, said: "We welcome anything which is going to help with the budget but it is a consequence of the budgetary disaster which both forces are in.

"Will this actually put resources thinner over the three counties and islands rather than making us more efficient?

"If it does make the savings, we will welcome this but our concern is it will lead to further job reductions."