UK moves to create its own FBI-style national law enforcement agency
Home secretary says new National Police Service would operate alongside existing police forces, which are often unequipped to deal with issues like terror or online child abuse
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LONDON — The British government said Sunday that it will unveil plans this week to create a new national police force, dubbed the “British FBI,” to take charge on complex investigations such as counterterrorism, fraud, online child abuse and criminal gangs.
The National Police Service will bring under the same umbrella the work of existing agencies dealing with terrorism and crime, police helicopters and policing of the roads, and regional organized crime units in England and Wales.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the new body will lift the burden on the 43 local police forces in England and Wales, helping them focus solely on day-to-day crimes within their jurisdictions.
“Some local forces lack the skills or resources they need to fight complex modern crime such as fraud, online child abuse or organized criminal gangs,” she said.
Mahmood said the current model was “built for a different century” and that the new body will attract “world-class talent” as well as helping to keep a lid on costs by moving procurement to one national force.
She said the full proposals will be unveiled to Parliament on Monday. Other changes expected include slashing the number of police forces in England and Wales and changes to how police officers are recruited and managed.
The prospect of change was widely welcomed within police circles, with London’s Metropolitan Police, which takes the lead on counterterrorism, welcoming the creation of a single national service.
Creation of the National Police Service will form part of major police reforms the government is due to unveil on Monday, which it is casting as the biggest shake-up in policing since Robert Peel established the first professional force in 1829.
Once appointed, its chief — the National Crime Commissioner — will be the most senior officer in the country. Currently, the head of London’s Metropolitan Police is Britain’s highest-ranking law enforcement official.
There are currently 43 local police forces in England and Wales, with some holding national roles, such as the London police, which is responsible for counter-terrorism.
The Times of Israel Community.