Suffolk's police commissioner rejects 'mega force'

Why it matters: Tim Passmore, Suffolk's Conservative PCC, and Norfolk's Reform PCC, Colin Sutton, have written to the Home Secretary asking for their two forces to be merged into a single constabulary covering both counties by 2028.

The big picture: The move comes as a government-commissioned review weighs up slashing the number of police forces in England and Wales from 43 to far fewer, larger forces. There have been fears Norfolk and Suffolk could instead be swallowed into a six-force eastern bloc alongside Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

What they're saying: Passmore has previously made clear he would rather link up with Norfolk than see that happen.

"Over my dead body would I support a merger of six forces," he said.

Sutton, who did not respond to this newspaper when the prospect was first raised, has now joined him in backing the two-county plan. In a joint statement, the pair said: "Our priority is, and always will be, securing the best possible policing service for the residents and businesses of Norfolk and Suffolk.

"Based on the evidence available to us, we are convinced that a single constabulary serving both counties will deliver that outcome."

For context: Norfolk and Suffolk's forces have collaborated for more than a decade, already sharing specialist teams, support services and IT systems. The commissioners argue that puts them in a "unique position" to become a "pathfinder" area for police reform.

The other side: The commissioners stressed no decisions have been made by government and any changes would be subject to detailed planning and engagement.

What's next: The review of force structures is being led by former Metropolitan Police commissioner Lord Bernard Hogan-Howe. His report was meant to be finished by the end of summer, but Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said it was delayed so its findings could be re-tested against the new prime minister's devolution agenda.

Neither commissioner may be around to see the merged force they are calling for, however. PCCs are due to be abolished at the end of their current terms in 2028, with their functions handed to mayors where possible.

The bottom line: Facing the prospect of being folded into a six-force eastern bloc, Suffolk and Norfolk's police chiefs are pushing for a smaller, two-county merger of their own making – even though neither may still hold office to see it through.

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