Worcester Liberal Democrats Raise Concerns Over Proposed Police Force Merger

Worcester Liberal Democrats have expressed concern over Government proposals to merge police forces across England and Wales, warning that Worcester residents could lose local influence over policing priorities and decision-making.

The proposals would see a significant reduction in the number of police forces across England and Wales, creating much larger regional organisations and fundamentally changing how local policing is governed.

Sarah Murray, Worcester Liberal Democrats' spokesperson on policing and crime, said:

"Residents in Worcester want a police service that understands our city, our neighbourhoods and the issues that matter most to local people.

While there may be arguments for greater collaboration between forces, any move towards larger regional policing structures risks creating organisations that are more distant from the communities they serve.

Worcester residents deserve a strong voice in determining local policing priorities. That becomes much harder when decisions are taken further away from the communities affected by them."

The Liberal Democrats are concerned that larger police forces could weaken local accountability and make it more difficult for residents to influence policing priorities through their elected representatives.

Sarah Murray added: "Policing works best when it is rooted in local communities. Residents need confidence that those making decisions understand the challenges facing Worcester, whether that is anti-social behaviour, road safety concerns, violence against women and girls, neighbourhood policing or tackling crime in our communities.

At a time when public trust and confidence in policing are so important, we should be strengthening local accountability, not risking its dilution."

Worcester Liberal Democrats are urging residents to take part in the consultation process and make their views known before any final decision is made.

Cllr Murray concluded “Any reform of policing must be judged on one simple test: will it deliver a better service for Worcester residents? If the answer is no, then the Government should think again.”