One size fits all approach to police force restructuring isn't the answer for Dorset

6.10.53pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 25th Jan 2006

Annette Brooke MP, commenting on the national lobby of MPs by the Association of Police Authorities today over Home Office plans to merge Police forces from said: "I welcome my meeting today with the Chief Constable of Dorset Police, Martin Baker, and with the Chairman of the Dorset Police Authority, Michael Taylor, where we discussed the implications for my constituents of the Home Office plans.

"Police forces across the country are alarmed at the speed with which the Home Secretary is attempting to rush through these changes to policing.

"The Home Secretary should look carefully at the alternative suggestions on the table. Dorset residents could well benefit from Dorset Police Force federating with other nearby forces to reduce costs and to provide emergency cover and specialised services without severing the all important local links."

Mergers may be beneficial in some cases to improve coordination, efficiency and delivery of police services. However a one-size fits all approach is not the best way forward across the country.

Annette Brooke MP has signed Early Day Motion 1393 on Police Restructuring which stresses the need to ensure that there is sufficient public and Parliamentary consultation on the restructuring, before making what will be the most significant changes in police structures for over thirty years.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

EDM 1393

POLICE RESTRUCTURING 17.01.2006

Dunwoody, Gwyneth

That this House notes the Home Secretary's proposals for restructuring police forces in England and Wales; recognises that the potential changes in structures are the most significant for over 30 years; believes that it is essential that there is proper consultation with police authorities and all interested parties and with the public; urges the Government to take full account of the implications of changes on funding, public confidence and accountability of police forces; recommends that the Government considers alternative options for change as advocated by the Association of Police Authorities, including the federated approach; and calls for any changes to be subject to full parliamentary scrutiny and debate.

94 signatures