A fresh push to rethink the structure of policing in England has come from the very top. Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley is proposing a shift away from the current patchwork of forces in favour of fewer, larger regional bodies, arguing that the existing model no longer matches the complexity of modern policing.
In a recent article, he outlined a plan that would move away from the existing 43-force model and towards regionalised “mega forces” able to better share technology, streamline services, and respond more efficiently to modern challenges. The proposal is being framed not as a power grab, but as a long-overdue adjustment to the way police operate in a country facing shifting demands and shrinking budgets.
The structure being questioned dates back to the 1960s, and while many forces have evolved operationally, the underlying model has remained largely untouched. That model, according to the Met Police chief, has become increasingly difficult to defend, both financially and functionally. From the rising cost of borrowing to the fragmentation of digital infrastructure, police leaders say the current system makes large-scale coordination more difficult than it needs to be.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has also signalled unease over how forces are funded. Chair Gavin Stephens warned recently that many are likely to face difficult choices in the years ahead. With borrowing costs predicted to rise by nearly 50% and years of underinvestment already taking a toll, some have questioned whether the current structure can meet the expectations placed upon it.
At the heart of the debate is the balance between local accountability and national resilience. A more consolidated model could support specialist teams, digital forensics, cybercrime, and complex investigations, while freeing up funds that would otherwise be locked into duplicated administrative systems. But critics will likely ask how such change could be managed without losing sight of community policing and local responsiveness.
The issue is made more pressing by recent decisions on public spending. Although Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledged a funding increase of 2.3% above inflation during the recent spending review, many in the sector consider this modest against the backdrop of rising operating costs. Ring-fenced funding streams, introduced in previous years to restore officer numbers, have further complicated the picture by limiting how forces can allocate their budgets.
There’s a growing consensus among senior figures that future-proofing public safety will take more than patching up what already exists. It’s not just about hiring more officers, they say, but also about building a workforce that reflects the changing nature of crime, digital specialists, intelligence analysts, forensic technicians. Policing, like healthcare or education, increasingly requires a broader set of skills.
Whether the idea of mega forces gains traction remains to be seen. But it’s clear the conversation has shifted. The language around modern policing is no longer focused solely on numbers or visibility, but on capability, infrastructure, and long-term resilience. Sir Mark’s intervention adds weight to that shift subtle but significant.
For more updates on the structure of policing, public spending, and how services are adapting to the future, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
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