§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement about his proposals to ensure the police co-operate more effectively across force boundaries; [1258]
(2) what plans the Government have to amalgamate police forces in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [1256]
§ Mr. DenhamWe have no present plans to change the procedures in the Police Act 1996 for the alteration of police areas.
We will consider on their merits any proposals from Police Authorities for amalgamations which might lead to more effective policing.
We will continue to encourage Police Authorities and Chief Officers to take advantage of opportunities for collaboration between forces where this will help achieve best value.
We are already promoting the use of common equipment and methods through, for example, the support given to the countrywide adoption of Airwave and the roll-out of the National Intelligence Model. Work in hand as part of the police reform process will consider what more can be done to ensure cross-border working.