Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has given his
views on the announcement by the Home Secretary that Cumbria Police could be
merged with other forces as part of an independent review of policing.
The Home secretary has announced plans to create a new FBI
style nationwide police force to fight the most complex and serious crimes.
The service will bring the capabilities of the National
Crime Agency, Counter Terrorism Policing, regional organised crime units,
police helicopters and national roads policing under a single organisation.
Government claims that frontline policing will save £350
million by scrapping outdated procurement approaches, which will instead be
used to fight crime.
Under the current localised model, each of the 43 forces
often procure technology, equipment and clothing themselves, meaning 43
different teams undertaking the same work.
Ministers will also be handed new powers to intervene
directly in failing forces, sending in specialist teams to turn them around so
they fight crime more effectively.
If crime solving rates or police response times are poor,
the Home Secretary will be able to send in experts from the best performing
forces to improve their performance, so they catch more criminals.
Under new reforms, response officers will be expected to
reach the scene of the most serious incidents within 15 minutes in cities and
20 minutes in rural areas, and forces will be expected to answer 999 phone
calls within 10 seconds.
A new national police commissioner will be appointed to lead
the force and will serve as the most senior police officer in the country.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen said
“There are positive proposals within the Government’s White Paper, particularly
around national coordination of serious organised crime, counter-terrorism,
procurement and Police IT. However, policing that is most effective when
delivered locally, including neighbourhood and roads policing, should remain
local.
“I want to be absolutely clear with the people of Cumbria: I
oppose the merger of Cumbria Police with other forces.
“Cumbria Police is already one of the top-performing forces
in the country. Bigger forces do not automatically mean better policing. What
matters is strong local leadership, public confidence and officers who
understand the communities they serve.
“Cumbria is a large, rural county with complex geography and
a seasonal population that increases significantly due to tourism. This makes
visible, neighbourhood policing essential to keeping people safe.
“The previous government closed 16 of Cumbria’s police
stations, weakening the link between communities and their local officers. I
have always said this was one of the most damaging decisions made to Cumbria
Police.
“Since entering office, I have been focused on rebuilding
community policing, improving visibility and strengthening the connection
between the public and the police across every community.
“Any major restructuring of policing must be properly
funded. Reorganising police forces without additional resources risks weakening
frontline services rather than improving them.
“I will work constructively with the Government as these
proposals are developed, but I will always stand up for Cumbria. My focus is on
protecting local policing and ensuring Cumbria continues to receive the service
our communities deserve.
“I made a clear promise to put Cumbria first, and I will not
break that promise.”
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