How will the UK government’s Police Reform White Paper really affect local forces, frontline officers and communities? Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber joins Policing TV to share his first reactions – from force mergers and a new national police body through to funding gaps, “licence to practise” for officers and Home Office powers over operational policing.
He expresses concerns about the lack of consultation with Police and Crime Commissioners, the potential financial impacts on local policing, and the risks of increased bureaucracy and loss of operational independence for police forces.
Barber emphasizes the importance of local policing in addressing organized crime and the need for a funding formula that supports sustainability in smaller forces, rather than an approach that creates forces the size of the Metropolitan Police across the country. He also outlines his immediate plans to respond to the changes proposed in the White Paper.
Takeaways
- PCCs were not consulted or shown the White Paper in advance
- Barber says funding formula problems are more urgent than force mergers
- Warns national structures already exist via ROCUs and the NCA
- Fears organised crime will still need strong local neighbourhood policing
- Highlights £9m shortfall and money held back for central reforms
- Criticises proposed “licence to practise” as costly extra bureaucracy
- Deep concern over Home Secretary powers eroding operational independence
- Plans to work with PCCs and chiefs to challenge the most risky proposals
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Policing TV and White Paper Discussion
05:38 Impact of the White Paper on Thames Valley Residents
08:18 Implications for Police Officers and Staff
10:04 Immediate Plans in Response to the White Paper
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