Amalgamations

The Police Federation of England and Wales accepts the police service cannot stand still and that change is necessary. If we were to draw a blueprint for police forces in 2006 it would not be in the current 43 force mould. But this is the model which currently exists and it is therefore imperative that any restructuring or amalgamation of forces continues to deliver to the public a service fit for the demands of policing in 2006 and beyond.

 

The Police Federation of England and Wales believe:

 

• Any changes to the structure of forces must seek to redress the current gap in Level Two Policing: This gap was identified by the Police Federation several years ago and was the core reason a Royal Commission was called for. A plea which fell on deaf ears and the benefit of hindsight now supports our case.
  
• It is important to remember that policing local, national and international borders continues whilst the process of service reform is being reviewed, debated and implemented. Officers continue to police the nation and their welfare and safety and the publics must continue to be the priority.
  
• Neighbourhood policing is the keystone of the service and must be at the core of any future policing model; links between the community and fully trained police officers must be retained, regardless of the structures put in place. 

 

Our concerns:

 

• The Police Federation of England and Wales has raised concerns over the government’s approach to reform from the outset and the alarming haste with which it seems to be being processed.

 

• It is our view that reformation on this scale should be subject to widespread public consultation but the government seem intent on pushing ahead with reform regardless of consultation with the Police Federation and the APA.

 

• The Federation has always argued that the amalgamation process has not been properly costed - and that this may impact upon the taxpayer.

 

• We believe it is vital, if reform is to take place, it is carried out on a basis of service effectiveness not just financial efficiency. The public must be left with an improved, more effective force that is able to provide a better service.

 

• We do not want to see large remote police forces that become separated from the community they serve. It is vital that the welfare of both police officers and police staff are taken into consideration.

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