At a recent meeting of the Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Panel, an update was provided regarding the Government’s White Paper titled ‘From local to national: a new model for policing’. This document suggests the elimination of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners, along with the panels that oversee them. The responsibilities would transition to new entities known as Policing and Crime Boards as part of broader governance reforms.
The report summarised the proposed structural changes, indicative timelines, and future oversight arrangements. While no specific merger proposal for Cumbria has been outlined, these governance changes align with national efforts to reduce the number of police forces from 43 and enhance regional and national capabilities.
Government’s Vision for Policing
Ministers have expressed a desire for fewer and larger police forces, aiming to consolidate resources and improve operational efficiency. This shift is intended to strengthen the policing framework at both regional and national levels.
Local Concerns About Merging Forces
In response to these proposals, local MP Tim Farron has voiced strong opposition to the idea of merging Cumbria Police with other forces. He believes that such a move could detract from community policing efforts, particularly in rural areas where local presence is vital.
Focus on Neighbourhood Policing
Farron has advocated for prioritising neighbourhood policing and investing in modern technology rather than pursuing structural changes. He argues that maintaining a local focus is essential for effective law enforcement.
Commissioner’s Stance
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen has also expressed his concerns regarding the proposed changes. He highlighted that the White Paper suggests Cumbria could be reviewed for potential boundary adjustments. Allen firmly opposes any merger, asserting that Cumbria Police is already a strong and effective force.
Current Status of Cumbria Constabulary
As it stands, Cumbria Constabulary remains unchanged, with no formal decisions made regarding its future structure. The discussions around restructuring continue, but for now, the local police force operates as it has been.
