Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard has urged the government to prioritise effective local policing and democratic accountability as it prepares to unveil major police reforms next week.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to set out proposals in a White Paper that could include a reduction in the number of police forces in England and Wales, with some potentially being merged.
Mr Tizard, who advises the government on policing reform through a number of national roles, said collaboration between forces is essential but warned against changes that could weaken local policing.
“I agree with the Home Secretary that tackling serious and organised crime is best done through effective collaboration between police forces,” he said.
“There is a case for a national police capability to address international crime and provide highly specialist support to the wider police service but to augment, not replace, effective local and regional policing.”
Mr Tizard said he expects the White Paper to include “positive proposals” in areas such as police performance, standards and leadership, adding that he has contributed to its development through roles within the Home Office and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.
However, he raised concerns about speculation that the number of forces could be cut dramatically.
“I am concerned about some of the rumours around structural changes, such as moving to only 12 forces,” he said. “I would want to assess any such changes to ensure that they lead to improved outcomes, meaning a reduction in crime and an increase in solved crime.”
He stressed that any future model must ensure neighbourhood policing and specialist units work together effectively.
“Both local policing and specialist teams must be integrated under the same command,” he said, adding that policing must continue to have “local democratic accountability” and work closely with councils and the wider criminal justice system.
Mr Tizard said that while national reform is important, the focus locally must not be lost.
“Whatever the proposals and however long they take to implement, we must not take our eye off the ball in ensuring that Bedfordshire is well policed, and that residents feel and are safer.”
The government’s White Paper on police reform is expected to be published next week.
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