Force for good?

THE prospect of a common uniform for Yorkshire's four police forces. A £165,000-a-year deputy chief constable for the whole region. Closer collaboration between roads police. And now the creation of a special squad to tackle criminal gangs.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jan 2010, 22:25 BST
Updated 27th Jan 2010, 22:25 BST

There has probably never been a greater level of co-operation between police chiefs locally. It is also essential for two reasons – criminals do not respect artificial boundaries and each force recognises the need to cut costs.

Efficiency savings have to be welcomed – especially if the shared use of expertise brings more serious criminals to justice and also protects the number of officers on the beat.

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Yet this frenetic pace of change still leaves one question unanswered: are these moves the precursor to a Yorkshire-wide police force being introduced as a fait accompli?

The Chief Constables need to tread carefully. This proposal had to be jettisoned three years ago because of public opposition and police fears that such a move would jeopardise neighbourhood policing.

At least the approach now being pursued appears to be expedient, and the practicalities can be tested before any longer-term decisions are taken that might have consequences for public safety. But, in doing so, it would be advisable if this region's police chiefs were transparent about their intentions rather than introducing such a controversial policy through the back door.

Related topics:Yorkshire