National Police Service Must Relieve Pressure On Existing Forces

A new ‘National Police Service’ is planned to bring together specialist expertise and advanced technology, and to better tackle national and international crime.

The Government’s plan has been backed by Counter Terrorism Policing, the Metropolitan Police and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Steve Kent, Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation, also cautiously welcomed the news, but stressed that British policing is “the best service in the world”.

Steve said: “I don’t like some of the language that suggests policing is lagging behind. We have probably the best policing model in the world in terms of what we do, so I think that’s very disrespectful to our specialist officers and officers up and down the country who do a cracking job in dealing with organised crime.”

He added a more unified approach could assist with cross-border operations, and that any changes must be properly funded.

Steve explained: “We don’t want to see any robbing Peter to pay Paul. This new service would have to be a bonus that would relieve the pressure on forces, rather than something that takes it away from them.”

Counter Terrorism Policing, the Metropolitan Police and the National Police Chiefs’ Council said in a joint statement: “Modern crime requires a modern policing response. We support and have been calling for this ambitious step to bring together some of the most capable policing teams in the country into a single National Police Service.”

The organisations said the move would build on the international reputation already held by Counter Terrorism Policing, whose capabilities and professionalism are recognised globally, but also warned that reform must be delivered carefully, stressing that success would depend on maintaining strong links with local forces and the communities they serve.

“Neighbourhood officers remain indispensable in disrupting organised crime and countering terrorism. Their relationships, insights and presence on the ground are foundational to public safety,” the statement added.