Almost 500 long-serving police officers could be forced to retire in the next three years as West Midlands Police prepares itself for swingeing Government cuts.
The unprecedented cost-cutting drive would save the force almost £29 million.
But critics said the cull would see the force waving goodbye to highly experienced and skilled officers, simply because they had reached 30 years’ pensionable service.
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The force said it also needed to lose 400 civilian workers.
The figures were laid bare in a report to West Midlands Police Authority which will be discussed on Thursday, when chiefs will recommend the plan be adopted.
Senior officers predict the force will have to save between £104 million and £125 million by 2015.
Despite a freeze on recruitment and an examination of civilian roles within the force, the report said more drastic action needed to be done sooner.
By applying Regulation A19, the force can introduce the “compulsory retirement on the grounds of efficiency” of all officers who have completed 30 years service.
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The report identifies that 302 officers, ranging from constables to chief superintendents, have or will have reached that point by the end of the financial year.
A further 187 officers will have reached that point the following year.
While the vast majority of officers reaching the 30-year point opt to go, the decision will be taken out of their hands if the plan is adopted, a move that would save £28.7 million in salary costs.
The force also wants to offer voluntary redundancy to civilian workers.
Andy Gilbert, chairman of the West Midlands Police Federation, said: “I sympathise with the people who have to manage the finances of the force, but the Government needs to understand the implications if the cuts go to deep.
“It would be unfortunate to lose such highly skilled and dedicated people.”
A force spokesman said they were considering applying Regulation A19 in common with most other forces.