THE POLICE and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley has warned that recent policing reforms could risk “years of chaos” amid reorganisation.
It comes after a government white paper published in January as part of an independent review of how police forces are structured in England and Wales.
Proposals would see the creation of a new National Police Force, aimed at “setting standards” and providing a more uniform and consistent service for the public.
It also explains plans to consolidate over 40 forces in the region–potentially to as few as 12–while also introducing Local Policing Areas, which would be more focused.
The paper also included plans to abolish the role of Police and Crime Commissioners, who would be replaced with elected mayors or Policing and Crime Boards.
Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said: “It is not necessarily the size of forces that is the problem, but the funding formula that penalises them.
“The first stage of any review should be to look at how local policing is funded, not reviewing the geographical boundaries.
“The risk is that wholesale reorganisation of forces will create years of chaos, costing millions of pounds without bringing real benefit.
“Almost any merger scenario in the Thames Valley also means that residents will end up paying more through Council Tax equalisation, for what could be a lower level of service which is more removed from their community.”
Mr Barber argued that the reforms could lead to a “significant shift of power” towards central government, undermining the principle of policing by consent.
The proposed model means the Home Office will have more strategic oversight of police forces and strengthened powers to intervene in performance and standards.
“These changes risk concentrating power in Whitehall; eroding the operational independence that underpins public trust in policing, as well as local governance and police accountability to the communities they serve.”
Barber warns that reforms could lead to fewer and less visible frontline officers, slower, less responsive policing and reduced public confidence:
“The risk is higher levels of neighbourhood crime and a system of policing that people feel is more distant from their communities and less accountable.”
In his concluding remarks, the PCC urged ministers to reconsider key elements of the proposals before legislation is introduced later this year.
“Of course, policing must continue to modernise. If reform is to take place, however, it must be about strengthening policing—not weakening it. I am extremely concerned that these proposals will lead to fewer resources and poorer performance whilst fundamentally damaging the nature of policing in our country but there is still time to change course in the interests of keeping the public safe.”
Alongside his response, the PCC has launched a public consultation asking residents to share their views on the Government’s proposals to merge police forces:
“The Government is not currently consulting the public on these large scale reforms–you have heard my views, and I want to ensure that you have the opportunity, in these early stages, to give your feedback.
“You can share your views by completing my short survey.
The Policing and Crime White Paper is available to read in full via: gov.uk/government/publications
