Summary
The UK government plans to reform policing in England and Wales by creating a new National Police Service (NPS) to handle complex crimes. The number of local police forces may be reduced by about two-thirds. The reforms aim to improve police use of technology and local community protection.
Key Facts
- The UK home secretary announced a plan to reform policing in England and Wales.
- A new National Police Service (NPS) will be established to tackle complex cross-border crime.
- The number of local police forces in England and Wales might be reduced by around two-thirds.
- The reforms include deploying more technology, such as facial recognition.
- The proposed NPS will combine roles from existing agencies like the National Crime Agency.
- Officials expect the NPS to be fully operational in the next parliamentary term.
- There is a proposal to introduce a license to practice for police officers, similar to doctors.
- Public confidence in the police is reported to be falling, prompting these changes.
