Public feedback is being invited on proposals that would enable the police to contract out certain of their functions.

The Police Powers and Procedures (Contracted Staff) (No. 2) Order 2017 would allow custody suite operations and the independent investigation of complaints against the Constabulary to be outsourced.

Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey MHK said: ’The department continues to critically review all aspects of its operations, as part of its contribution towards a more financially responsible government.

’This Order would allow us to contract out elements of running the custody suite if that work could be performed in a more cost-effective way by staff other than serving police officers.

’Public confidence in the Isle of Man Constabulary remains high and the proposed changes would ensure that a robust process remains in place for investigating complaints.’

He said the move would free up officers to focus on frontline policing.

Outsourcing of the custody suite would mean civilians taking over record keeping, cell cleaning and attending to the essential needs of detainees.