PFCC condemns plans for Essex Police to be merged into regional ‘super force’

Reports indicate that a Government-commissioned review has concluded that the number of police forces in England should be reduced from 43 in England and Wales to as few as nine regional “super forces”. Such a move would see Essex Police absorbed into a larger regional force.

The review, led by former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, has yet to be published. However, the approach is expected to be advocated today (Friday 6 November) in a speech by Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, to public sector leaders in Manchester.

The proposals are expected to include the creation of nine regional police forces, alongside a single force for Wales. These larger forces would sit above more than 150 local policing units tasked with delivering neighbourhood policing and tackling crime within their communities.

Roger Hirst MBE, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, has publicly opposed the merger proposals and recently chaired three public meetings to discuss the changes with people in Essex.

A survey hosted by the PFCC for Essex in summer 2026 found that 69% of respondents opposed the proposal to merge police forces into larger regional organisations, with 50% strongly opposed and 19% opposed.

Mr Hirst said:

“It's clear there is no public appetite for change in Essex. Most survey participants agreed that policing should remain locally led in this county. At the recent public meetings I have held alongside partners, the overwhelming majority of Essex people attending have spoken out strongly against the plans.

“There is deep public concern and opposition in Essex to the suggestion that the existing local approach to policing could be taken over by a larger regional entity.

“Policing relies on public consent and, importantly, on public confidence and trust. The risk of the merger plan is that the fundamental link between policing and the public could be undermined or lost altogether.

“There is also a risk that the current momentum in fighting all forms of anti-social behaviour and crime will be lost. Without the right funding and resources, any merger could distract from the core mission, hold back progress and even lead to a decline in performance.

"There is no doubt the Metropolitan Police needs reform, it is too large to be held accountable, serving a population of 9 million people. It is failing in terms of culture and tackling crime.

"Essex Police, serving a population of 1.9 million, which has cut crime, reduced anti-social behaviour and has a much better culture, should not pay the price.

“The Government would be better served by focusing instead on further strengthening the link between local communities and the police, backed by a fairer funding formula to fight crime in Essex.

“I will continue to make the case for retaining Essex Police in its current form.”

Survey responses

The PFCC Essex survey was hosted online and ran from Wednesday 10 June to Wednesday 22 July 2026. More than 1,700 people from across Essex responded.

• 69% of respondents opposed the proposal to merge police forces into larger regional organisations, with 50% strongly opposed and 19% opposed.

• 86% agreed that “it is important for Essex to maintain a strong local police presence that is responsive to our community”, with 74% strongly agreeing and 12% agreeing. Only 11% disagreed.

• 85% agreed that “local policing should remain locally led to ensure police officers understand and focus on community needs”, with 67% strongly agreeing and 18% agreeing. Only 9% disagreed.
• Every district in Essex was represented in the survey. The highest proportion of respondents lived in Chelmsford district (14.7%), followed by Braintree district (12.4%), Colchester district (12.2%) and Southend (11.9%).

ENDS