Reactive police officers, who provide 24-hour, seven-days-aweek cover for 999 calls, currently "book on" at stations across the Cambridgeshire force's Central Division which covers the whole of Huntingdonshire and The Fenlands.

But in a shake-up proposed for the area, they will instead start work at just two stations – Huntingdon and Wisbech.

The officer, who asked not to be named, said there was a suspicion the new system was being introduced to gather officers together at the beginning of a shift, and give them a feeling of safety in numbers.

The officer said: "The trouble is, there are not enough reactive officers, and they are trying to create the perception they have got a lot by having 10 officers in the room at once for a briefing."

There are also concerns – dismissed as groundless by police bosses – that the changes could increase response times for emergencies away from Huntingdon and Wisbech.

Reactive officers currently book on at police stations across the Central Division. Under the new system, they will instead start their shifts and be briefed at either Huntingdon or Wisbech, before dispersing across the area.

Chairman of the Police Federation in Cambridgeshire David Smith said the new arrangements would increase the amount of contact between officers and their supervisors. But he agreed the underlying issue was boots on the ground.

Central Division Commander Chief Superintendent Mick Gipp said officers would be briefed at the start of work, and then patrol in their old areas as before.

In many cases, they would be out on the streets more quickly, he added.

Ch Supt Gipp added: "The two operational hubs will improve the team ethic and provide better supervision and leadership for our officers.

"There will be no loss of service at any station. In fact, a new shift pattern, which began in April, means there are the right officers, at the right times in the right places.

"More officers are now coming on shift when the demand is highest, leading to an improved service for our community."