Police Force Numbers Set for Dramatic Reduction in Major Reform
In what is being described as the most significant policing shake-up in decades, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is preparing to unveil plans to dramatically reduce the number of police forces across England and Wales. The proposed overhaul, scheduled for announcement on Monday, represents a fundamental restructuring of the current system that has remained largely unchanged for generations.
Addressing 'An Epidemic of Everyday Offences'
The reforms specifically target what government sources have characterised as "an epidemic of everyday offences" that currently plague communities nationwide. Under the proposed changes, the existing structure of 43 separate police forces will be substantially consolidated, with the exact number of remaining forces to be determined through an independent review process.
Ms Mahmood believes the current system creates unnecessary duplication and wasteful expenditure, with each of the 43 forces maintaining separate headquarters and administrative staff. This fragmentation, according to government analysis, diverts crucial resources away from frontline policing and crime prevention efforts.
New Structure: Serious Crime and Local Policing Areas
The reformed system will establish a two-tier approach to policing responsibilities. The remaining, larger forces will concentrate their efforts on serious and organised crime, alongside complex investigations such as homicides that require specialised resources and expertise.
At the local level, each town, city and borough will be designated as a "local policing area" where neighbourhood officers will focus specifically on community issues including shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, and other offences that directly impact residents' daily lives.
Addressing Performance Inconsistencies
Government sources have highlighted significant disparities in performance across different forces as a key motivation for the reforms. Ministers have suggested that smaller forces often lack the necessary resources to manage major incidents effectively, pointing to Wiltshire Police's response to the 2018 Salisbury poisonings as a prime example.
During that incident, Wiltshire required support from 40 other forces to manage the complex investigation, revealing the limitations of smaller police organisations when confronted with major events. The government has also noted substantial variations in charge rates for certain offences across different regions.
A government source emphasised: "Under this new structure, all forces – regardless of where they are – will have the tools and resources they need to fight serious crime. Where you live will no longer determine the outcomes you get from your force."
Long Implementation Timeline and Historical Precedent
The ambitious reforms will not be implemented quickly, with the merger process expected to continue until the mid-2030s, likely concluding towards the end of the next Parliament. This extended timeline reflects the complexity of restructuring such a fundamental public service.
Similar consolidation efforts have been proposed previously, most notably in March 2006 when then-Labour home secretary Charles Clarke announced plans to reduce police forces to 24. However, those proposals were abandoned just four months later by his successor John Reid after the proposed merger of Lancashire and Cumbria police forces collapsed amid opposition from senior officers.
Political Reactions and Opposition Concerns
Allies of Ms Mahmood have emphasised her commitment to the reforms, describing the Home Secretary as "a moderniser" who is "not scared of bold reform and a political fight." They argue that the consolidation will generate significant savings through merged back-office functions, freeing up resources to invest in additional police officers.
However, Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp has expressed strong reservations about the proposed changes. He stated: "There is no evidence that merging police forces would cut crime or improve performance. Top-down reorganisation risks undermining efforts to fight crime, inevitably leading to centralised control that will hit towns and villages across the country hardest."
Mr Philp further pointed to performance concerns, noting: "The biggest force, the Met, has the lowest crime solving rates and falling police numbers. Big is not necessarily better."
The proposed reforms represent one of the most significant changes to policing structures in living memory, promising to reshape how law enforcement operates across England and Wales for decades to come.
