Warning Police reform risks undermining policing and public safety across Thames Valley

That’s the view of Matthew Barber, Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) who has published a detailed response to the Government’s proposals.

In a letter to the Home Secretary, the PCC sets out serious concerns about the scale and direction of the proposed changes, describing them as the most significant overhaul of policing in generations.

The proposed reorganisation of police forces from the current 43 force model is criticised as costly, disruptive and unnecessary and could lead to fewer and less visible frontline officers.

Mr Barber argues that:

> The real issue is the police funding formula, not force size

> Structural changes will create years of disruption

> Local communities could face higher costs for a worse service.

He said: “It is not necessarily the size of forces that is the problem, but the funding formula that penalises them. The first stage of any review should be to look at how local policing is funded, not reviewing the geographical boundaries.

“The risk is that wholesale reorganisation of forces will create years of chaos, costing millions of pounds without bringing real benefit. Almost any merger scenario in the Thames Valley also means that residents will end up paying more through Council Tax equalisation, for what could be a lower level of service which is more removed from their community.”

He also warned the reforms could lead to a significant shift of power towards central government, undermining the principle of policing by consent. The proposed model means the Home Office will have more strategic oversight of police forces and strengthened powers to intervene in performance and standards.

“These changes risk concentrating power in Whitehall; eroding the operational independence that underpins public trust in policing, as well as local governance and police accountability to the communities they serve,” he added.

There are also plans to introduce a Licence to Practise for police officers which are described as an unnecessary, bureaucratic burden which could reduce frontline capacity.

Impact on communities

Mr Barber warns reforms could lead to fewer and less visible frontline officers, slower, less responsive policing and reduced public confidence:

“The risk is higher levels of neighbourhood crime and a system of policing that people feel is more distant from their communities and less accountable.”

In a call for a rethink Mr Barber urged ministers to reconsider key elements of the proposals before legislation is introduced later this year.

“Of course, policing must continue to modernise. If reform is to take place, however, it must be about strengthening policing – not weakening it. I am extremely concerned that these proposals will lead to fewer resources and poorer performance whilst fundamentally damaging the nature of policing in our country but there is still time to change course in the interests of keeping the public safe.”

Mr Barber has launched a public consultation asking residents to share their views on the Government’s proposals to merge police forces:

“The Government is not currently consulting the public on these large scale reforms. You have heard my views, and I want to ensure that you have the opportunity, in these early stages, to give your feedback: Share your views on police force mergers