POLICE cars and stations across Dorset could soon be emblazoned with the logos of private sponsors, it has been warned.

And the county’s Police Federation chairman Clive Chamberlain fears the independence of forces could be lost if they are forced to rely on private companies for cash.

Mr Chamberlain plans to raise the issue during this week’s Police Federation conference in Bournemouth.

“Surely it cannot be right that in order to make ends meet a police force, which must remain and more importantly be seen to remain, completely independent may be driven, through desperation to emblazon the logos of private companies on patrol cars, around police stations and on letterheads,” he said.

Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill, inset, revealed last week that he has already discussed the issue with a potential sponsor and had talks with other PCCs in the region. London’s Metropolitan Police force came under fire last year after it was reported that they had secured nearly £33 million from sponsors.

Home Secretary Theresa May was due to address thousands of delegates at the Bournemouth International Centre this morning.