PCC launches public consultation into proposed force mergers
The police and crime commissioner (PCC) for West Mercia, John Campion, is asking local residents to give their views on proposals to merge forces across England and Wales.
The three-month consultation for residents of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Worcestershire, includes an online survey and events where people can share their opinions.
It follows the announcement of an independent review could see the current system of 43 forces reduced to 12 larger organisations which Mr Campion says could see “”the biggest shake up to policing in 60 years”.
He is especially concerned by the fact that the review is being led by someone “who has been calling for mergers since 2006” and that this could “lead to it happening despite there being uncertainty that the public support them”.
Mr Campion said: “I recognise the need to modernise and improve policing; however, it is right that any significant reform undertaken has the public support. I am concerned that the proposals to merge our existing police forces into fewer, but larger, police areas will be done with a perceived lack of public opinion. Given that this is affecting a service our hardworking tax-paying public pay for, it is right that they are consulted.
“I therefore want to give communities the opportunity to have their say and allow them to understand what these proposals mean for them. I will then present this feedback to the Government to form part of their wider review.”