Merger Plans
In November 2005 the government announced major reforms of policing in England and Wales, which raised the prospect of West Mercia Constabulary being merged with other forces in the West Midlands region.
Under final proposals made by the Home Secretary on 6 February 2006, it would merge with Staffordshire Police, Warwickshire Constabulary and West Midlands Police to form a single strategic force for the West Midlands region. This came under particular criticism from West Mercia Constabulary, especially as it was rated the best force in the country. Instead, the constabulary wishes to remain a separate force. The proposals are also unpopular with many of the local authorities in the West Mercia area.
When John Reid became Home Secretary in 2006, he put plans to merge the force – on hold, and now it seems likely that the plans might be scrapped altogether. As of 12 July 2006 the merger plans have been on hold.
The coalition government has not made any indication of re-introducing any such plans.
Read more about this topic: West Mercia Police
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