Private sector companies have a “massive” opportunity to take over running non-frontline police services as law enforcement budgets across the country come under severe pressure, according to the chief police watchdog.

Denis O’Connor, the chief inspector of constabulary, said outsourcing would help Britain’s 43 police forces save money in areas such as transport, human resources, building management, finance and uniforms. “A lot of these are things that don’t need face-to-face [contact with the public],” he said. “It is a massive bit of territory.”