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Dorset police commissioner warns against regional force mergers

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 09:09 · Archive

Dorset's police commissioner has warned that merging England and Wales' 43 police forces into larger regional forces could weaken frontline services.

Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has warned that merging England and Wales' 43 police forces into a smaller number of regional forces could weaken policing in the county. Mr Sidwick said the proposals could divert resources away from frontline policing and reduce service for Dorset communities.

He argued that 'bigger is better' is a false premise and that leadership, not size, is the key factor in cutting crime and improving safety. Mr Sidwick accused some large force Chief Constables of driving a 'political agenda' and called on them to focus on improving their own forces instead.

Mr Sidwick is one of five Police and Crime Commissioners who publicly challenged the merger proposals. He raised concerns about cost, disruption to services, and the impact on local accountability. He also raised concerns about the financial impact of creating a National Police Service.

While acknowledging that policing must evolve to meet changing criminality, technology and public expectations, Mr Sidwick insisted any reform must be evidence-based and focused on improving outcomes for the public rather than simply increasing organisational size.

Dorset police commissioner warns against regional force mergers
Image: Dorset Echo

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In this story: David Sidwick · Dorset Police · Dorset · England and Wales

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