Humberside Police’s Chief Constable has given his thoughts on the reforms announced in the policing white paper earlier this week.
Chris Todd, who joined the force last year, has also responded to comments made by the force’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Jonathan Evison, who has raised concerns over parts of the Government’s plans.
The Government has revealed its White Paper for policing reform. Key to the proposed reforms are plans to reduce the number of police forces in England and Wales. The plans also include the establishment of a National Police Service (NPS) to fight the most complex and serious crimes. This, it is said, will help police forces by allowing them to focus on catching local criminals.
The PPC, Mr Evison welcomed much of the White Paper, but raised concerns over the centralisation of policing, warning that any mergers in forces could risk Humberside losing resources to larger areas. He has also vowed to ensure the region’s unique local needs are not sacrificed.
In an interview with the LDRS, Chief Constable Todd was asked to give his thoughts on the reforms and if he shares the PCC’s concerns. Like Mr Evison, Chief Constable Todd was pleased by much of what the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, had announced. Whilst speaking highly of reforms to police funding and the use of data and AI, the Chief Constable insisted “there are other areas which we need to know more about.”
After being asked if he would oppose Humberside Police being merged with other forces, with reference to the PCC’s concerns, the Chief Constable said:
“The decisions about structures haven’t been made yet. I understand there will be an independent review established and that will be sitting through this summer.
“I assume they will consult widely and hopefully with communities as well so that everybody will have the opportunity to have their say on police reform. I’ll study that carefully and see what that brings, but at the moment no firm decisions have been made around boundaries and I’m just very proud to be the Chief of Humberside Police.” Chief Constable Todd added that through his other national positions, such as leading the National Data Integration and Exploitations Service, he hopes to have the opportunity to “influence police reform.”
The Chief Constable was also asked for his views on the abolition of the Police and Crime Commissioner role, as was announced in November. The role, which the Government has branded a “failed experiment”, will be axed at the end of the current election cycle in 2028.
On this, Chief Constable Todd said:
“My primary concern is for the people who are affected because of course this affects the employment and the careers of individuals, and some of whom we know very well. In terms of the future, that’s a political decision which is not my gift to give.
“What we need to know is what comes next. We have a structure we understand at the moment, the future structure is yet to be confirmed.”
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