LONDON,2026-01-24 00:52:00 – England adn Wales are set to see important changes to policing standards and oversight,with new powers granted to ministers and a focus on standardized officer training.
New measures will require police officers to maintain updated skills and allow for greater government intervention in underperforming forces.
- Police officers will be required to renew a “license to practice” throughout their careers.
- The home secretary will gain powers to dismiss police chiefs.
- Ministers will be able to compel the retirement, resignation, or suspension of underperforming police constables.
- Plans are underway to reduce the number of police forces in England and Wales from 43.
The Home Office will require all police officers in England and Wales to renew a “licence to practice” throughout their careers,ensuring they stay current with the latest methods and guidance,according to a government announcement.
New Powers for Government Oversight
Table of Contents
The changes come alongside increased government oversight of police forces. Last week, it was announced the home secretary will be given new powers to sack police chiefs, and on Friday, additional statutory powers were extended to ministers, allowing them to force the “retirement, resignation, or suspension” of chief constables deemed to be underperforming. Currently, only police and crime commissioners hold this power.
Ministers will also have the authority to deploy “specialist teams” to improve forces struggling with crime solving rates or response times. New policing targets will be introduced and made public, stated the government.
The move follows a recent instance where Home Secretary Mahmood expressed a lack of confidence in West Midlands Police’s chief constable Craig Guildford after Israeli football fans were banned from a match against Aston Villa, leading to his subsequent retirement. Mahmood stated, “It is essential that the people can determine what they expect from their forces.”
Standardized training and Force consolidation
the government aims to standardize training across all 43 police forces in England and Wales. Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones saeid, “Every police officer needs to remain match fit to protect their communities. As crime evolves, we expect police to evolve more quickly.” She added, “The licence to practice will equip every officer with the skills and capabilities to do the job – whether new to the force or a policing veteran.”
As part of her reforms, the home secretary will pledge on Monday to “significantly” cut the number of forces from the current 43, directing them to prioritize serious and organized crime.
Concerns from the Police Federation
The Police Federation of England and Wales raised concerns about the proposed changes,stating,”Policing’s current structure has entrenched a postcode lottery in what the public see but also how officers are led,supported and treated.” The Federation argued that reducing the number of forces “doesn’t guarantee more or better policing for communities,” and emphasized the need for “significant investment” in skills, capabilities, and equipment.
Sir Andy Cooke, who leads His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), welcomed the plans, stating that a “clear, fair system” is needed to address failings in police forces. He said, “These reforms will help make sure under-performance is more quickly addressed whilst supporting forces to respond to our recommendations more effectively, so that every community gets the policing it deserves.”
