Scotland's smallest police force has said a reduction in its officer numbers is "likely" in order to cope with serious budget pressures.
Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary has already introduced a recruitment freeze in a bid to tackle the problem.
A report to councillors highlighted that the force's fuel expenditure alone has risen by £140,000 in the last year.
It concluded that in practical terms the easiest way to "manage down" costs would be a reduction in staff numbers.
In his report, chief constable Pat Shearer said he was aware the move came against the background of Scottish Government efforts to fund more officers.
http://news.bbc.co.u...and/7676841.stm
(At least specials are safe... the cheap option. Right? ¬.¬)
