UK Government Announces Creation of New 'British FBI' National Police Service
The UK government has unveiled plans to establish a new National Police Service (NPS), which has already been dubbed the 'British FBI' by officials and commentators. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the major policing reforms that will see existing agencies merged under a single organisation to tackle serious and complex crimes more effectively.
Modernising Policing for Contemporary Challenges
Mahmood emphasised that the current policing model was 'built for a different century' and requires substantial modernisation to address contemporary criminal threats. The new service will deploy world-class talent and state-of-the-art technology to track down dangerous criminals involved in counter-terrorism operations, sophisticated fraud schemes, and organised criminal networks.
The reforms specifically aim to lift the burden on local police forces, who have been diverting resources from everyday community policing issues such as shoplifting and antisocial behaviour. By creating a dedicated national service for complex crimes, local forces will be able to focus more attention on fighting crime within their own communities.
Structural Changes and Leadership
The National Police Service will be headed by a National Police Commissioner who will become the most senior police chief in the country. This commissioner will be responsible for setting national standards and training protocols for policing across England and Wales, while also overseeing the procurement of new technologies such as facial recognition systems on behalf of all police forces.
These changes form part of broader structural reforms that will see the current 43 police forces reduced in number. Ministers have already announced plans to scrap police and crime commissioners in 2028, with mayors and council leaders taking over local policing responsibilities instead. This restructuring is expected to save an estimated £100 million, with plans to reinvest these savings into neighbourhood policing initiatives.
Support and Concerns from Police Leaders
Police leaders have generally backed the plans, with a joint statement from the Metropolitan Police, Counter Terror Policing, and the National Police Chiefs' Council acknowledging that 'modern crime requires a modern policing response.' However, they stressed that the transformation 'must be delivered with care' to maintain vital connections with local communities.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan expressed some concerns about the potential 'major consequences' for the Metropolitan Police, particularly as the force currently handles significant counter-terrorism work for which it receives specific funding. Khan noted that the plans would not impact the Met's budget or operations for at least the next year, providing some breathing room for adjustment.
Focus on Complex Modern Crimes
The National Police Service will specifically target complex modern crimes that often transcend local boundaries, including:
- Sophisticated fraud operations
- Online child abuse networks
- Organised criminal gangs
- Counter-terrorism investigations
- Cybercrime operations
By centralising expertise and resources for these challenging areas, the government aims to create a more efficient and effective response to crimes that have become increasingly complex in the digital age.
