Police defy Clarke (From Free Press Series)

Police defy Clarke

GWENT POLICE Authority rebelled against the home secretary Charles Clarke's police merger proposals and refused to put forward a preferred option on the future of the force.

The three other forces across Wales joined the Gwent authority in statements highlighting their concerns on the Home Secretary's proposals to merge Welsh forces.

All four authorities handed in their submissions on the Police Force Structures in Wales project to the home secretary on December 23. Three options for the future of policing in Wales are currently being discussed are;

1. (1a) Retain existing four forces, (1b) Retain existing four forces with enhanced collaboration between North Wales Police and Cheshire

2. Two forces: North Wales and Dyfed Powys forming one police force, with South Wales and Gwent merging to form another.

3. A single one-Wales

Gwent police authority have joined others and highlighted concerns over the demands for pace of change and a lack of consultation, as well as fears about the potential impact on local policing, financial implications and clarity over future governance and command structures, as the reasons why they are unable to submit a preferred option.

The Welsh Chief Constables have also echoed the concerns of the Police Authorities. In a meeting with Hazel Blears MP earlier this week, the Chief Constables discussed the unique position of Wales as a single nation rather than a region, highlighting the geographical, infrastructure and cultural issues that would have to be taken into account in any future policing structure.

Although no decisions have been taken in any areas of debate, the Chief Constables have been encouraged by the constructive dialogue, during which Hazel Blears outlined a number of areas that would be open for discussion into the New Year.

Paul Wood, who is director of the All Wales Project Team, said: "Our intention remains to ensure that Wales has a future policing structure that delivers strong neighbourhood policing, as well as an appropriate level of protective services. Meanwhile, we cannot afford to lose sight of the fact that we have an important job to do today, and we all need to make sure we maintain the highest quality policing services to all of our communities across Wales."

It is anticipated the home decretary will respond to the final submissions early in February 2006.