Independent review of police force structures: terms of reference

Product Description

Our policing system requires radical re-design. A system designed in the 1960s, based around 43 local police forces, is no longer fit for purpose. The Government published the Police Reform White Paper on 26 January 2026, which set out the case for change and the full package of reforms designed to modernise policing across England and Wales.

To begin to move towards a more efficient policing system, the White Paper committed to launching an independent review of police force structures, which would make recommendations on the optimum number of forces and the most effective implementation.

The aim of this review is to design a new model, built around fewer, larger police forces, which meet the needs of victims and supports effective, efficient and accountable policing both at the local and national levels, for now and far into the future.

This publication sets out the terms of reference for this review.