The UK is poised to unify its counter-terrorism efforts under a new national police body, aiming to create a more effective and responsive force to tackle the complex threats facing the country.
The UK’s current system of counter-terrorism policing, with its network of 11 units covering the country, has been criticized for its inefficiencies. A new national police body is being proposed to lead the fight against terrorism and serious organized crime.
The Current System: Challenges and Limitations
Counter-terrorism policing is currently headquartered in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), with its head appointed by the MPS commissioner. However, this system has several drawbacks. For instance, counter-terrorism units are often seconded or borrowed from other forces, leading to a lack of stability and continuity. Additionally, officers working for these units may be subject to recall to their home forces, disrupting efforts to thwart terrorist attacks.
Plans for Reform: A New National Force
The UK police chiefs are drawing up plans for a new national counter-terrorism force, which would gain independence from local forces and become part of a newly created national centre for policing. This change is expected to bring about significant reforms, including the centralization of counter-terrorism efforts, serious organized crime, equipment purchasing, and improved police performance in protecting women and girls from violence.
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is responsible for setting standards and guidelines for police chiefs in the UK.
The most senior police officer in each force is known as the Chief Constable or Commissioner, depending on the country within the UK.
They are responsible for overseeing law enforcement operations and making strategic decisions to keep communities safe.
In England and Wales, there are 43 territorial police forces, while Scotland has eight regional forces and Northern Ireland has six.
Each chief plays a crucial role in maintaining public trust and confidence in policing.
Benefits of Centralization
Proponents of this new model argue that it would provide a more stable workforce, improve recruitment, and enhance the ability to fight violent extremism and state-sponsored espionage. The proposed changes also aim to address concerns about local forces losing control over deciding what their needs are and the potential for greater central government interference.
Counter-terrorism policing refers to the efforts of law enforcement agencies to prevent and investigate terrorist activities.
These efforts involve intelligence gathering, surveillance, and cooperation with international partners.
In the UK, counter-terrorism policing is led by the Metropolitan Police Service's Counter Terrorism Command.
According to a 2020 report, there were 676 terrorism-related arrests in England and Wales, with 59% being linked to ISIS-inspired extremism.
Criticisms and Concerns
However, there are also concerns about the downsides of this new model. Some argue that it would lead to a loss of local control and the potential for greater central government interference. Others believe that removing counter-terrorism responsibilities from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) could free up its leadership to concentrate on internal changes.
A New Era in Counter-Terrorism Policing
The proposed reforms mark one of the biggest overhauls of policing since the 1960s. The new national centre for policing would provide a more centralized approach to counter-terrorism and serious organized crime, potentially creating a law enforcement body as wide-reaching and powerful as the FBI in the US.
The National Centre for Policing Excellence (NPE) is a UK-based organization that aims to improve 'policing practices and standards.'
Established in 2002, it provides training, research, and guidance to law enforcement agencies.
The NPE focuses on evidence-based policing, using data and research to inform decision-making.
It also promotes collaboration between police forces and other organizations to tackle complex issues.
A Path Forward: Collaboration and Efficiency
Ultimately, the success of this new model will depend on its ability to balance centralization with local control. As one Home Office source noted, ‘We’re working with policing, which will focus on efficiencies, tech, and the use of, and enhancing capabilities on local and national scales.‘ By embracing collaboration and efficiency, the UK police chiefs hope to create a more effective and responsive counter-terrorism force that can tackle the complex threats facing the country.
- theguardian.com | UK police chiefs draw up plans for national counter terrorism force
