Reform label regional police “Expensive, unaccountable, ineffective”

Last updated:26 February 2009

Reform has today published a report into policing entitled ‘A New Force’ which states that “a major change in accountability and transparency is needed to tackle national and local crime.”

‘A New Force’ is an uncompromising critique of policing in England and Wales. It labels the current law enforcement arrangements as  “the most expensive police service in the world” whilst stating that it is failing” to deliver security against both serious national crimes, such as guns, drugs and people trafficking, and local crimes such as anti-social behaviour.”

The report criticises police authorities as “weak” at holding police forces to account and asserts that the 43 regional police forces should be split into 95 city town and county forces

Reform also advocates giving the Metropolitan Police a mandate to run serious crime fighting across England and Wales. The report highlights Counter Terrorism Hubs as the ideal integrated approach for tackling serious crime as they are funded by the Home Office, operated by local police forces and coordinated by the Metropolitan Police

However, the report has attracted criticism from  Bob Jones, Chairman of the Association of Police Authorities who described the report as “confused and contradictory” for simultaneously advocating increased local autonomy and an enhanced national lead for serious crime policing.
 

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A New Force