Home Secretary Proposes Major Policing Overhaul: From Forty-Three to Twelve Regional Mega-ForcesThe Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is contemplating a substantial reform of policing in England and Wales, potentially reducing the number of police forces from forty-three to as few as twelve. This move aims to create larger, regional mega-forces to cut costs and enhance efficiency, marking the most significant policing reform in the UK in sixty years.Simultaneously, the government plans to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) by 2028, shifting oversight of local policing to mayors or new policing boards composed of local councillors. This decision is expected to save taxpayers one hundred million pounds.However, these reforms face criticism. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp questions whether they will genuinely lead to savings, suggesting they are merely tinkering around the edges while crime rates remain high. He also expresses concern about cash-strapped police forces being overseen by faceless committees.The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners warns of a potential dangerous accountability vacuum and a lack of engagement from the Home Office. These sweeping reforms are currently under consideration, with a white paper detailing the proposals expected early next year.

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