There will be 5,800 fewer front-line officers across the 43 forces in England and Wales by 2015 if planned funding cuts go ahead, said the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC). The body has investigated the impact of the cuts on police services. Ministers stated that the "vast majority" of forces were "rising to the challenge of reducing budgets while protecting services". The HMIC also predicted that further cuts could be needed because of a shortfall in police spending plans.