PCC responds to policing reform plans

Major policing reforms described as the largest changes to the service in its history are being revealed by the Home Secretary.

In response Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, said: “The government claims merging forces will save money.

“I believe the real reason for announcing these reforms is because, 18 months ago, the government laid out plans to introduce 13,000 more neighbourhood police officers across England and Wales. But they’ve failed as they can’t find the funding.

“I’m not against some form of police reform but I think reducing force numbers from 43 to a reported 12 would result in forces which are far too big and unruly. Police performance would slip as a consequence.

“Another concern for me is the government’s proposed timescale. They want this done by the end of the next term of parliament which is 2034. That’s too far down the road and will distract core policing.

“It’s also a real shame they’re taking the voice away from local people.

“The successors of Police and Crime Commissioners need to be able to hold police forces to account on behalf of the public. The police should not be marking their own homework and this change must be balanced with robust scrutiny.

“I want to reassure people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that having local officers out in the heart of our communities remains one of my top priorities. We’ve been doing this here for last two years with the introduction of Local Bobbies. It’s proved so successful that it’s been replicated by the government nationally.

“Policing must be rooted in the communities it serves if we are to be as efficient as possible in responding to crime.”