Summary
The United Kingdom plans to create a new national police force called the National Police Service (NPS), which will take over counter-terrorism, fraud, and gang investigations. This new force aims to improve policing by uniting existing agencies and using advanced technology like facial recognition to catch criminals. The NPS will operate mainly in England and Wales but can also work in other parts of the UK.
Key Facts
- The National Police Service (NPS) will handle serious crime investigations, including terrorism and fraud.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the formation of the NPS as part of a police reform effort.
- The NPS will combine the work of agencies like the National Crime Agency and regional crime units.
- New technology, such as facial recognition, will be purchased for all police forces.
- The NPS will operate across England, Wales, and potentially wider UK areas, setting standards and providing training.
- Local police officers have felt overwhelmed with major crimes, affecting their ability to handle minor offences.
- Some policing functions, like counter-terrorism, will transition into the new organization.
- The government and campaigners have differing views on the use of facial recognition technology.
