The Home Office is poised to introduce a groundbreaking National Police Service, widely referred to as the "British FBI", in a sweeping reform aimed at combating serious crime throughout England and Wales. This new body will centralise investigations into organised crime, terrorism, fraud, and online child abuse, marking a significant shift from the current fragmented policing model.
A Modern Response to Evolving Threats
Under the plans set to be detailed in a white paper on Monday, the National Police Service (NPS) will assume responsibility for UK-wide counter-terrorism operations, fraud inquiries, and criminal gang investigations. These duties are currently split among various agencies, including the National Crime Agency and regional organised crime units managed by local police forces.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasised the necessity of this change, stating, "The current policing model was built for a different century." She highlighted that many local forces struggle with the resources and expertise required to tackle complex modern crimes such as online child exploitation and sophisticated fraud schemes.
Enhancing Local Policing Efforts
By deploying world-class talent and state-of-the-art technology, the NPS aims to handle high-level investigations nationally. This reorganisation is expected to free up local police officers, allowing them to dedicate more resources to addressing community-level issues like shoplifting and antisocial behaviour.
The new service will incorporate functions from several existing units, including the counter-terror policing unit led by the Metropolitan Police, the National Police Air Service operated by West Yorkshire Police, and national roads policing operations. It will facilitate the sharing of intelligence, technology, and resources across regional boundaries.
Leadership and Controversial Technology
The NPS will be headed by a national police commissioner, who will become the most senior police chief in the country. This commissioner will oversee the setting of standards and training for police forces nationwide. Additionally, the service will procure new technologies, such as facial recognition cameras, on behalf of all forces—a move that has sparked debate over privacy and human rights implications.
Support from Policing Leaders
A joint statement from the Metropolitan Police, counter-terrorism policing, and the National Police Chiefs' Council expressed support for the initiative, noting, "Modern crime requires a modern policing response." They acknowledged the international reputation of counter-terrorism policing and stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with local communities during the transition.
Neil Basu, former head of counter-terrorism policing, endorsed the plans, describing the NPS as "far more capable as one national security system." Similarly, Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Crime Agency, which will be merged into the new organisation, praised the proposal for creating a "single, stronger national law enforcement body" to address evolving threats.
Concerns from Frontline Perspectives
Despite widespread backing, the proposals have raised concerns among some policing experts. Graham Wettone, a policing analyst with three decades of frontline experience, questioned whether operational officers had been adequately consulted. He remarked, "I don't believe they have. From what I'm hearing, it seems to me, it's largely come from the Home Office."
However, Wettone acknowledged the logic behind nationalising certain aspects, particularly fraud investigations, which often span multiple regions. He noted, "Organised crime groups don't stick to county boundaries. They literally work across the country."
Phased Implementation and Future Outlook
The National Police Service will be established in stages, working alongside existing agencies and regional organised crime units to ensure a smooth transition. This gradual approach aims to preserve essential local connections while building a more cohesive national framework.
As the government moves forward with these reforms, the focus remains on enhancing public safety through a unified strategy that balances national oversight with community-focused policing.
