A significant restructuring of policing in England and Wales is set to take place, as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announces the formation of a new National Police Service (NPS) on Monday. This initiative aims to consolidate critical policing duties, specifically targeting terrorism and organized crime, which are currently managed by various local forces and specialized units.
The NPS will integrate functions from counterterrorism units, regional organized crime agencies, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and the College of Policing. Mahmood states that this approach will allow local police forces to concentrate on community issues, such as antisocial behavior, by alleviating them of national responsibilities that can strain resources. She emphasized the necessity for a robust structure capable of deploying advanced technology and expertise to effectively pursue dangerous criminals.
Described by Mahmood as “Britain’s FBI,” the NPS aims to address modern threats, including online fraud and transnational crime, which require specialized knowledge and resources that larger forces can better provide. Accompanying the NPS’s establishment will be a white paper proposing the reduction of the number of police forces in England and Wales from the current 43.
Chief constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, endorsed the reform, asserting the need for a structure that adapts to changing crime patterns and evolving technologies. Additionally, the Metropolitan Police will be significantly impacted, losing its leadership in counterterrorism and certain organized crime operations, which will now fall under the NPS. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley supports this transition, arguing it will allow the Metropolitan Police to focus more on its primary responsibilities in London.
Why this story matters: The establishment of the NPS represents a major shift in how serious crime is addressed at the national level.
Key takeaway: The NPS aims to consolidate policing efforts against serious crime, freeing local forces to focus on community concerns.
Opposing viewpoint: Some may argue that reducing the number of police forces could lead to decreased local representation and oversight in policing.
