Robert Key Esq, MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

Dear Robert,

Thank you for your letter of 2 December 2005 about police force restructuring.

Police forces and authorities have been asked to respond to the challenges set out in Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary's (HMIC) review of force structures. They have been invited, in consultation with criminal justice and local government partners, to come forward by 23 December 2005 with firm proposals for restructuring in each region.

It is the case that of the short-list of options for the South West submitted to us at the end of October, we have signalled that two options appeared best suited for further evaluation, namely a regional strategic South West force and two strategic forces comprising Devon and Cornwall as a standalone strategic force and an amalgam of Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Dorset. However, we have made it clear to police authorities that it is a matter for them to determine what proposals to put forward later this month.

I recognise that the timetable we have set is a challenging one. There is, however, a broad recognition that if restructuring is to take place, the process should be completed as quickly as possible in order to minimise disruption to the Police Service. With a focused timetable there is a danger that the process could be drawn out leading to an extended period of uncertainty and disruption. In these circumstances all forces and police authorities are asked to work to the original time scale. We have, however, agreed with the Association of Police Authorities to drop the original requirement to provide initial implementation plans to this timetable.

I am sorry that you do not feel enough has been done to engage your community on the debate of force restructuring. I can assure you that their interests are being considered. However, I would note that the consultation is being led locally by the police service. We have asked the service to engage with local stakeholders in drawing up options for change. I understand Wiltshire Police Authority have held a number of public meetings as part of their local consultation arrangements. Such consultations can continue after December as the submission of proposals will by no means be the end of the process.

The overriding priority during this period of change must be for the police, working in partnership with other local agencies, to continue to bear down on crime and anti-social behaviour and ensure that communities have the quality of service they have the right to expect. I can assure you that whatever changes are made to force structures, policing will continue to be delivered locally and be responsive to local concerns and anti-social behaviour. Your constituents will continue to be served by the police station, police officers and other staff based in their own communities.

HAZEL BLEARS MP