Police forces given merger fate

Sussex's chief constable believed a merger was "highly likely"

Surrey and Sussex police forces are to merge while Kent should stand alone, the Home Secretary has said.

The chief constables of the three South East forces were summoned to the Home Office on Monday to hear Charles Clarke's plans for the future.

Mr Clarke has said reform of the 43 forces in England and Wales is essential to equip them to tackle 21st Century crime, such as terrorism.

Thames Valley and Hampshire forces will also stand alone under the proposals.

A statement by the Home Secretary said that options were being proposed "as suitable for progression".

He met police chiefs on Monday afternoon to discuss the plans, with the police authorities invited to respond by 7 April.

Mr Clarke said: "My vision for the police service in the 21st Century is that it should be close, responsive and accountable to the communities it serves, supported by larger forces with the capacity and specialist expertise to protect the public from wider threats such as serious and organised crime."

We will work closely with our colleagues in Sussex to deliver a new strategic force which combines our strengths Liz Campbell, chair of Surrey Police Authority

Plans to reconfigure Hampshire, Kent and Thames Valley as strategic forces would lead to the three standing alone but working together strategically, the BBC was told.

Kent's Chief Constable Mike Fuller said: "The Home Secretary has clearly recognised our ability to provide what are termed as protective services, including dealing with major and organised crime, counter-terrorism and strategic roads policing."

The Surrey and Sussex forces both believed mergers were not the best way forward.

Liz Campbell, chair of Surrey Police Authority, said: "While we have some concerns over a merger, we accept that Parliament has the final say in requiring us to merge, and we will continue to do our best to deliver a solution which secures a good future for Surrey.

"We will work closely with our colleagues in Sussex to deliver a new strategic force which combines our strengths."

Sussex's Chief Constable Joe Edwards commented: "It is important that we take time to consider Mr Clarke's proposals and ensure that the best interests of the people of Sussex are taken into account before making any formal response."

The Home Secretary has been working towards creating bigger strategic police forces.

He has already said he hopes to amalgamate forces in Wales, the North East, North West and West Midlands by April next year.