PCC John Tizard comments on Home Secretary’s proposals for policing

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce plans for police reform next week. Some details have already been hinted at, including the fact that the number of police forces in England and Wales may be reduced and some may be merged.

Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, John Tizard, advises the government on areas of the reform agenda as part of a number of national roles he holds.

John said “I agree with the Home Secretary that tackling serious and organised crime is best done through effective collaboration between police forces.

“There is a case for a national police capability to address international crime and provide highly specialist support to the wider police service but to augment - not replace - effective local and regional policing.

John is confident that government proposals to be announced next week in the White Paper will “set out positive proposals to reform areas such as police performance improvement, standards and leadership.”

John has advised on the development of the White Paper through roles held within the Home Office and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.

“I am concerned about some of the rumours around structural changes, such as moving to only 12 forces. 

“I would want to assess any such changes to ensure that they lead to improved outcomes, meaning a reduction in crime and an increase in solved crime.

“Both local policing and specialist teams must be integrated under the same command.

“Policing must also have local democratic accountability and work with local authorities and local criminal justice services.

“Whatever the proposals and however long they take to implement, we must not take our eye off the ball in ensuring that Bedfordshire is well policed, and that residents feel and are safer.”