Summary
The UK government plans to reduce the number of police forces in England and Wales. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will propose forming larger "mega forces" to handle serious crime, aiming to complete the changes by 2034. Local Policing Areas will focus on neighborhood crimes.
Key Facts
- The UK government will decrease the number of police forces from the current 43.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will announce the reform next week.
- The plan suggests creating 12 larger police forces, or "mega forces."
- The changes aim to save money and improve crime-fighting efforts.
- New Local Policing Areas will address neighborhood crimes like shoplifting and drug dealing.
- An independent review will determine the exact number of new police forces.
- A reform was proposed 20 years ago, but it had not been implemented.
- Some police chiefs support the plan, saying it will help address modern crime and technology.
