Latest on Police Mergers - St Albans Liberal Democrat Press Office

6.13.34pm GMT Mon 20th Mar 2006

The Home Office propose merging Hertfordshire Police with neighbouring Police forces

Herts Constabulary, in agreement with Essex and Bedfordshire Forces, currently believe that the best structure for delivering protective services whilst maintaining local accountability and providing greater efficiency would be a merger of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire with Essex remaining as a standalone force.

The Authority and the Constabulary hope to be entering into a constructive dialogue with the Home Office regarding the protective services and financial assessments rationale behind their proposals to explore the possibility of a mutually agreed approach.

The Police Authority members will meet on the 31st March to debate the way forward.

The Authority reached a decision in December that a merger between Herts and Beds was the strongest proposal, subject to resolution of concerns. These include that any proposal is of benefit to Hertfordshire, set up costs are covered and that satisfactory governance and funding arrangements are in place to provide representation and accountability for people of Hertfordshire, and there is clarity of transition arrangements for staff.

News from

Cllr Allan Siao Ming Witherick

BSc (Hons) (Lond:UCL) FRSA

Community Engagement Lead for St Albans for Hertfordshire Police

Authority

Representing St Albans North (Batchwood and Marshalswick South) to

Hertfordshire

County Council

St Albans Liberal Democrat Office

Tel: 01727 730838 Fax: 01727 860896, 9 Hatfield Road, St Albans,

Hertfordshire,

AL1 3RR