NPCC Chair Sara Thornton discusses force mergers

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair Sara Thornton said:

“Chief constables are having to find ways to save money without compromising their force’s ability to protect and serve the public. There are numerous examples of effective collaboration around the country. Two thirds of forces are already co-located with other organisations or have plans to do so.  Several forces have developed strategic alliances with neighbouring forces and others are sharing resources, such as specialist dog and mounted units, or functions like human resources or communications. 

“Most would agree that merging into fewer forces would be better, both financially and for operational consistency. While responsibility for such a decision lies with local forces, we believe that Government could incentivise amalgamations by dealing with the need to harmonise council tax precepts across the newly amalgamated force.

“If our current 43 force model is to continue then a strengthened and standardised regional capacity is essential. We are contributing to work on developing the regional structure to increase more specialist services. This has the potential to reorganise what services we deliver at national, regional and local level, removing duplication and delivering functions more effectively and efficiently.  It could maximise public protection and save money for forces to preserve local, neighbourhood policing.”

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