I am writing to bring your attention to a three-month public consultation I have launched, seeking community views on the proposed reduction of the number of police forces across England and Wales.
These proposals were announced in January as part of a much wider Government police reform agenda; however, they weren’t included in the Labour manifesto at the last General Election.
Legitimacy and consent sit at the heart of the British model of policing, with policing relying on the public’s confidence in its fairness, transparency, and accountability. I am sure you will share my view that change of this scale, which could be the biggest shake up in policing in more than six decades, must be informed by the communities that service keeps safe and that trust and confidence in our local police must be protected and built upon.
Given the scale and impact of these potential changes, it is important that local communities have an opportunity to share their views. I am keen to ensure that the perspectives, priorities, and concerns of the public are fully understood and appropriately reflected in any future decision-making.
As local councillors, you speak with the residents of Shropshire every day. You understand their priorities, their worries, and their expectations. That makes your role crucial in helping me to understand the views of our communities by ensuring this consultation reaches as many people as possible. I am sure that you will agree that change of this scale will benefit from being informed by the views of as many of our residents as possible.
I would be grateful for your support in sharing the consultation within your community and local networks. I hope you would encourage your residents to take part, so we can gather a true and representative picture of public feeling.
I have also provided a link to my website which includes some Q&As on the subject to assist with any questions you or your constituents may have.
Website: Public consultation - police force mergers | West Mercia PCC
Consultation: Public consultation- police force mergers
Yours sincerely,
John Campion
Police and Crime Commissioner
West Mercia
