In a landmark move to modernise law enforcement, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to unveil extensive police reforms on Monday, centred around the creation of a new national police force, informally dubbed the "British FBI." This initiative aims to tackle complex and serious crimes, including terrorism, fraud, and organised criminal gangs, while allowing overstretched local forces to concentrate on everyday offences such as shoplifting and phone theft.
A Unified Approach to Serious Crime
The proposed National Police Service (NPS) will consolidate the efforts of the National Crime Agency and regional organised crime units into a single, powerful entity. Ms Mahmood emphasised that the current policing model is outdated, stating, "The current policing model was built for a different century." She highlighted that many local forces lack the necessary skills or resources to combat modern threats like online child abuse or sophisticated fraud schemes.
Streamlining Forces and Enhancing Talent
As part of the reforms, the government plans to significantly reduce the number of police forces in England and Wales from the current 43. To bolster expertise, the Home Office will introduce a direct entry scheme to attract professionals from the tech and finance sectors into senior police roles. Additionally, police forces will face new performance targets, with underperforming units publicly identified to drive accountability.
The NPS will incorporate key existing bodies, such as the City of London Police, which currently holds national responsibility for fraud, Counter Terror Policing led by the Metropolitan Police, the National Police Air Service managed by West Yorkshire Police, and the National Roads Policing. Ms Mahmood envisions the NPS as a force that deploys "world-class talent and state-of-the-art technology" to apprehend dangerous criminals, thereby enabling local forces to dedicate more time to community-level crime fighting.
Leadership and Technological Advancements
Headed by a National Police Commissioner, who will become the most senior police chief in the country, the NPS will set standards and training for policing nationwide. It will also procure advanced technology, such as facial recognition systems, on behalf of all police forces. The service will be implemented in stages, working alongside existing agencies like the NCA and CTP during the transition, and will facilitate the sharing of technology, intelligence, and resources across borders.
Support and Caution from Experts
The plans have garnered support from notable figures in law enforcement. Neil Basu, former head of Counter Terrorism Policing, praised the proposal, describing it as "far more capable as one national security system dealing more effectively with major crime, organised crime and terrorism in all its forms." Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Crime Agency, echoed this sentiment, noting that the overall policing system is "out of date" and requires a "single, stronger national law enforcement body" to address evolving threats like online crime and international terrorism.
However, a joint statement from the Metropolitan Police, CTP, and the National Police Chiefs' Council expressed cautious support, urging that the transformation "must be delivered with care" to maintain strong connections with local policing and communities. Sir Mark Rowley, head of the Metropolitan Police, has previously endorsed removing national counter-terrorism responsibilities from his force, aligning with the NPS's objectives.
Broader Reforms and Financial Implications
These changes are part of a broader reform agenda that includes plans to scrap police and crime commissioners in 2028, aiming to save at least £100 million to fund neighbourhood policing. Instead, mayors and council leaders will assume responsibilities for policing arrangements. As the announcement approaches, officers in the City of London remain confident that they will retain their national fraud responsibilities under the restructuring, underscoring the collaborative yet evolving nature of this major police shake-up.
