Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner seeking public’s views on radical shake-up of policingHertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner seeking public’s views on radical shake-up of policing

Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Jonathan Ash-Edwards, is asking for the views of local residents and businesses regarding proposals to merge police forces across England and Wales.

In January, the Government confirmed its intention to significantly reduce the number of police forces, which could see the existing 43 forces combined into as few as 12 larger, regional forces, as part of a wider package of reforms to the police. An independent review is being carried out to advise the Government on how to take the force merger plans forward.

However, the review is not asking for the views of members of the public meaning it is unclear how much support for these changes exist. As the PCC is committed to providing a voice to the people of Hertfordshire, he has launched a public consultation to give residents and businesses the opportunity to have their say.

The PCC is keen to hear from residents, businesses and community groups, regardless of their views on the proposals.

The consultation will run until 21^st June. Responses will be shared with the independent review and the Government to inform their decision-making.

The consultation and further information about the Government’s proposals can be found here: https://forms.office.com/e/MhLXQcpmVX

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner, said:

“The Government’s proposals constitute the biggest shake-up of policing in more than sixty years and could fundamentally change the way policing is delivered in Hertfordshire.

“Despite that, the Government is not asking local communities for their views. Our country prides itself on policing by consent, so it’s only right that the public are properly consulted on changes on this scale.

“I want to hear the views of Hertfordshire’s communities so I can share the findings with the independent review that is looking at this issue.

"Hertfordshire is making real progress on the things the public tell me are priorities – cutting crime, catching more criminals and keeping our communities safe – and bigger does not necessarily mean better.

“Whether you support these proposals or oppose them, I want to hear your views so I can make Hertfordshire’s voice heard”.