Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen has said he does not support police mergers involving Cumbria, as the Government considers its next steps following the recent Police Reform Call for Evidence.
The issue is currently being considered as part of an independent review of policing led by former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Hogan-Howe. The review is examining whether the current structure of policing in England and Wales remains fit for the future and is expected to make recommendations to Government later this year.
Commissioner Allen has submitted a detailed response to Government setting out concerns that large-scale police force mergers could weaken local accountability, reduce responsiveness to rural communities and undermine many of the strengths that have helped make Cumbria one of the country’s highest-performing police forces.
While supporting reforms that improve efficiency, strengthen collaboration and deliver better value for taxpayers, the Commissioner said he remains unconvinced that merging Cumbria Constabulary into a larger regional force would improve policing for local people.
David Allen said: “As Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, I was elected to stand up for Cumbria’s interests. Having considered the evidence, I do not support police mergers involving Cumbria and I will continue to make the case for a locally accountable police force dedicated to serving our county.
“Cumbria is one of the highest-performing police forces in the country. Crime has fallen, public confidence remains high and the Constabulary continues to deliver excellent results for the communities it serves.
“I have yet to see any evidence that merging our force into a larger regional organisation would improve the service we provide to local people.
“This is not about resisting change. I support reform where it strengthens policing, improves efficiency and delivers better outcomes for the public. However, I do not believe bigger forces automatically means better forces, particularly when it comes to policing rural counties such as Cumbria.”
The Commissioner’s response highlighted the unique challenges of policing a county with a resident population of around 500,000 people but which welcomes more than 40 million visitors each year. It also outlined concerns that the needs of rural communities could become secondary to larger urban centres within a regional force structure.
Cumbria’s Chief Constable Darren Martland said: “Cumbria Constabulary is proud of the service we provide and the strong performance we continue to achieve for our communities.
“In the most recent Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW) Cumbria Constabulary is ranked first, out of 43 police forces, in relation to the public’s ‘overall confidence’ in policing, which is testament to the dedication and professionalism of all of our people.
"Policing Cumbria presents distinct challenges, including our large geographical area, rural and isolated communities, and significant seasonal demand linked to our visitor economy.
"As discussions about reform continue, it is important that these operational realities are fully understood and carefully considered to ensure any changes support effective local policing.”
The submission also highlighted Cumbria’s strong performance across a number of measures, including public confidence, neighbourhood policing, emergency response and crime reduction, as well as innovative local approaches to safeguarding and victim support.
Commissioner Allen said the debate should focus on what delivers the best outcomes for residents rather than assumptions about organisational size.
“The question should not be whether policing can be organised on a larger scale. The question should be whether doing so would improve the service people receive.
“Cumbria already collaborates successfully with neighbouring forces where it makes sense to do so. We should always be open to sensible reform and new ways of working.
As part of ongoing engagement on police reform, councillors from across Cumbria will come together later this month for a dedicated engagement event jointly hosted by the Commissioner and Chief Constable.
The event will provide local elected representatives with an opportunity to discuss the future of policing, hear more about Cumbria’s submission and consider what any future reforms could mean for local communities.
David Allen added: “The consultation process may have closed, but the decisions have not yet been made.
“Before any decisions are taken, it is vital that Government understands the realities of policing Cumbria and the potential consequences for the communities we serve.
“I will continue to make the case that policing in Cumbria should remain locally accountable, locally responsive and focused on the needs of the people of this county.”