In a major shakeup of law enforcement in England and Wales, the Home Secretary is expected to announce a series of far-reaching reforms to police forces on Monday. The changes, described as the biggest in two centuries, aim to increase accountability and performance through a range of new targets and interventions.
Under the plans, police forces will face new standards for response times, victim satisfaction, and public trust – with the results published on a public dashboard for comparison. The Home Secretary will also be granted powers to intervene directly in underperforming forces, including the ability to oust chief constables deemed to be failing.
The reforms mark a significant shift away from the localized policing model introduced in 2011, with the abolition of elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) by 2028. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has made clear her view that centralized government control is needed to properly hold forces accountable, arguing the current devolved system has been “ineffective.”
While the plans have broad support from police chiefs, some measures are proving more controversial. There are concerns that league table-style rankings could lead to “perverse incentives”, with forces prioritizing metrics over quality of service. One chief warned: “You can hit the target and miss the point.”
The government is also expected to back a “significant” reduction in the 43 police forces currently operating in England and Wales, though the exact number is yet to be determined. A commission will review the issue and suggest mergers, with chiefs supporting a move to between 12 and 15 forces.
Supporters of the reforms believe the upfront costs of £500 million over three years will be recouped through future savings. However, some police leaders warn that implementation could take years, with one describing it as being “kicked into the long grass.”
The changes come amid longstanding calls from chiefs for a new national policing centre to tackle issues like counter-terrorism and serious organized crime. The Home Secretary has privately described her approach as “we go large, or we go home” – signaling her determination to drive through substantial reforms.
