Summary
Labour is planning major changes to the police system in England and Wales to address what they call an "epidemic of everyday crime." Their proposal includes reducing the number of police forces and creating a single national force to handle serious crimes more effectively. This plan aims to improve police efficiency and collaboration in response to evolving crime challenges.
Key Facts
- The Labour Party describes current crime issues like shoplifting and phone theft as an "everyday crime epidemic."
- There is a proposal to cut the number of police forces in England and Wales from 43 to a smaller number, possibly around a dozen.
- Police officers may need to obtain and regularly renew professional licenses, similar to doctors or lawyers.
- The government might gain power to fire Chief Constables who are not performing well.
- A significant change includes creating a national police force by merging the National Crime Agency with other units handling serious crimes.
- In the past, efforts to create a UK equivalent of the FBI (like SOCA and the NCA) have not met expectations.
- The changes aim to address how crime, often driven by international networks, has evolved.
