GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S Police and Crime Commissioner has warned that proposals to create larger regional police forces could weaken neighbourhood policing and accountability in rural communities.
In a statement outlining his views on proposed national police reforms, PCC Chris Nelson raised concerns about suggestions to reduce the 43 police forces in England and Wales to as few as nine.
The PCC argued that creating a single force covering the South West could result in resources being concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural communities with reduced policing.
He said: "I am extremely nervous about becoming part of a mega force that covers the whole of the South West, due to the likelihood that local and neighbourhood policing could be diminished."
However, the commissioner acknowledged that Gloucestershire Constabulary, one of the country's smallest forces, could benefit from merging with a larger neighbouring force or sharing resources.
This could improve its ability to tackle crimes including fraud, cybercrime and domestic abuse, while strengthening roads policing and victim support.
The statement also raised concerns about police funding, with Mr Nelson arguing that the current national funding formula disadvantages Gloucestershire residents, who pay comparatively high council tax contributions towards policing.
He suggested that a merger involving Gloucestershire could potentially reduce the council tax burden on residents.
Support was expressed for establishing a National Police Service to improve operational planning, procurement and senior officer appointments.
However, the commissioner argued that improving leadership training should take priority over widespread mergers.
He said that just 0.02 per cent of the national policing budget is spent on leadership development, despite concerns about declining performance and standards.
The commissioner also questioned how police forces would remain accountable following the planned abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners in May 2028.
Any mergers should align with local government devolution boundaries to ensure clear oversight and accountability, he argued.
He concluded that limited mergers involving smaller forces could be beneficial, but warned against implementing widespread structural changes without sufficient evidence.
The commissioner said reforms must prioritise effective policing and maintaining public confidence, particularly in rural areas such as Gloucestershire.
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