Crime Commissioner’s concerns over police forces plan
Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jonathan Evison said he has major concerns regarding plans to reduce the number of police forces across the country.
The Government proposals would see forces slashed from 43, and the new organisations tasked with focusing on serious and organised crime.
At the lower level, each town, city and borough will be formed into a “local policing area” – with neighbourhood officers focused on crimes such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
However, Mr Evison Evison issued a robust response to the Government’s White Paper “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing”.
While welcoming the drive for modernised national standards, the PCC has vowed to ensure the region’s unique local needs are not sacrificed in a move toward centralisation.
He said: “In Humberside, I haven't waited for a White Paper to tell us to prioritise our residents.
“We have built a high-performing force that is the envy of many. The expertise we have gained in managing this growth is directly transferable to a national model, but it must not come at the cost of local accountability.”
The White Paper proposes a new performance framework with league-table style measures.
PCC Evison challenged the efficacy of this approach, noting that Humberside’s success is rooted in an ethos of “doing the right thing” rather than chasing arbitrary benchmarks.
Mr Evison also raised concerns regarding regional mergers:
•Regional Risks: Moving to regional serious organised crime forces risks Humberside losing resources to larger conurbations such Leeds or Sheffield.
•Public Sentiment: In a recent survey, only 14.8% of the Humberside public were convinced that a regional force would bring any local benefit.
•Professional Licensing: PCC Evison questions the introduction of mandatory professional licensing for officers, calling it a “wasted focus” given the force's already rigorous vetting and training standards.
Mr Evison concluded: “My message to the people of Hull, the East Riding, and Northern Lincolnshire is simple: Governance may evolve, but the mission remains the same.
“I will continue to advocate strongly for your interests, ensuring that reforms enhance – not diminish – the quality, responsiveness, and accountability of policing at the local level.”