The police and crime commissioners of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey have expressed significant opposition to proposed mergers of police forces. The government plans aim to reduce the current number of police forces from 43 to 12 larger entities, a move that has sparked concerns among local leaders.
Opposition to Police Force Mergers
On Monday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood addressed MPs regarding this controversial initiative. She highlighted the government’s intention to create a more streamlined police structure across the country.
Local Leaders’ Concerns
- Lisa Townsend, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, termed the initiative a “complete disaster” for her county.
- Mathew Scott, Kent’s PCC, criticized the plan as “faceless and soulless.”
- Katy Bourne, Sussex’s PCC, expressed worries about concentrating power within a few individuals.
These officials have emphasized the potential risks of reducing local oversight and the consequences for community safety. They argue that merging forces could dilute accountability and responsiveness to local needs.
Government’s Proposals
In addition to discussing force mergers, Mahmood revealed plans for a significant enhancement in technology use within the police. This includes the “largest-ever rollout of facial recognition” technology aimed at improving crime prevention and investigation.
The proposal to merge police forces has sparked widespread debate, highlighting the balance between efficiency and community engagement in law enforcement.
