Government announces terms of reference for the independent review of police force structures

Following the publication of the Policing Reform white paper earlier this year, the government has confirmed its intention to advancing policing reform by launching an independent review of police force structures. This review will examine how policing can operate more efficiently, setting out recommendations on the optimal number of police forces, alongside the most effective approach to implementation.

The review seeks to develop a future-focused model centred on fewer, larger police forces that are better equipped to meet the needs of victims and communities. The proposed approach seeks to strengthen effective, efficient and accountable policing at both local and national levels, ensuring the system is resilient and sustainable not only for today, but for the years ahead.

Lord Bernard Hogan-Howe was announced earlier this month as the lead for the review, which will offer recommendations on the future of policing under the new model. The review will address areas such as governance, accountability, and community engagement, while considering strategies for implementing changes with minimal disruption and identifying candidates for potential pathfinder mergers within the existing Parliamentary term.

The scope of this specific review will not include specialist agencies such as the recently announced National Police Service (NPS), Police Scotland, National Crime Agency (NCA), British Transport Police (BTP), Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), among others. The Terms of Reference for this element are quite specific and wider elements of the Police Reform are not being reported upon through review element.

The overall aim of the review is to prioritise stronger neighbourhood policing, clear local and regional accountability, improved effectiveness and efficiency, and a better, more consistent experience for victims, while supporting the wellbeing of the workforce. It will aim to promote alignment with local government and public service boundaries, system-wide interoperability, consistent use of data and technology, and ensure that merger costs do not add additional financial pressure on central government.

techUK and the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) programme remain committed to strengthening collaboration between industry members and public sector stakeholders across policing. We will continue to create opportunities for industry to support and inform the changes proposed in the white paper.