Police force mergers in England and Wales 'inevitable'

Senior Police officers are saying that police forces should merge to create an 'up to date and efficient service'.  Chief Constable Stephen House, head of the new national force for Scotland, said it was "inevitable" the current 43 force system would have to restructure.  

Sir Hugh Orde head of ACPO has also said that the idea is gaining momentum with senior officers.

Wasn't this idea brandished nearly ten years ago and was dismissed?

What do you think take part in our online poll

See story below:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20118194

Police elections: Welsh ballot paper decision 'shambolic'

Preparations for next month's police and crime elections in Wales have been called a "shambles" after it emerged an estimated £350,000 worth of ballots papers are likely to be shredded.  Is this not a waste of public money in times of Austerity. 

See Full story from the BBC below

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20132277

Home Secretary announces abolishment of PNB

The Home secretary has announced that the PNB will be abolished and it will be replaced by a Pay Review body instead.  This will mean that police officers will lose their power to negotiate on pay.  Instead evidence is considered and the Home Secretary then decides.

In response to the announcement Paul McKeever the Chairman of the Police federation has said:

MP raises claim of past paedophile ring linked to No 10

Labour MP Tom Watson has said police must investigate claims of a "powerful paedophile ring" linked to a previous prime minister's "senior adviser" and Parliament.

See full story below

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20070093

Sir Norman Bettison resigns over Hillsborough inquiry

Sir Norman Bettison has resigned as chief constable of West Yorkshire Police, saying an inquiry into his role after the Hillsborough tragedy was "a distraction" to the force.

See link below for the story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20067716

Top cop picked to head up new policing college

The chief constable of Hampshire Constabulary has been picked to lead the new College of Policing.

Alex Marshall, who has more than 30 years policing experience and led on the creation of the National Police Air Service, was chosen from a strong field of candidates to be the college's first chief executive officer.

Full story can be read here

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/police-college-head

Message of thanks from Family of PC Nicola Hughes

The family of PC Nicola Hughes have thanked the tremendous support from Greater Manchester Police and the public.

The full statement can be seen below

Family of PC Fiona Bone thankful for Support

The family of PC Fiona Bone thank the support they recieved from the public and police.  In a statement published on the GMP police website they expressed their sincere thanks and grattitude. 

The full statement can be seen below :

Sian O'Callaghan murder: the detective's dilemma

So the police are being vilified for the mistrial of Chris Halliwell.  Here is a different perspective on the story

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/oct/19/sian-ocallaghan-murder-detective?INTCMP=SRCH

Police and Crime Commissioners

The nominations have now closed for the role of Police Commissioner.  Here is the list for the Greater Manchester candidates, the list is from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-19480158

Andrew Mitchell Resigns

The 'plebgate' row has finally caught up with Andrew Mitchell.  He has offered his resignation to the Prime Minister.  He has finally done the decent thing!

Full Story at the link below

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19922026

Prime Minister's Questions: Andrew Mitchell is 'toast', says Miliband

David Cameron and Ed Miliband have clashed over Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell's future after his row with police at the Downing Street gates.

See story below

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19977905

Andrew Mitchell: Ministers 'Beyond Despair'

Senior ministers are "beyond despair" that Andrew Mitchell is still in his job despite his row with a policeman, according to Sky sources.

See Story below

http://news.sky.com/story/998799/andrew-mitchell-ministers-beyond-despair

Andrew Mitchell must not be sacrificed to police mob, ex-Labour minister says

Police have been accused of bullying Andrew Mitchell over "pleb gate"

See story below

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9611293/Andrew-Mitchell-must-not-be-sacrificed-to-police-mob-ex-Labour-minister-says.html

Final Farewell to Fiona Bone

Today we lay to rest Fiona Bone as the echos of yesterdays grief continued today.  Thousands lined the route again to bid their final farewell to Fiona Bone.   

To see story and pictures follow links below

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-19818673

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-19827265

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1590416_tributes-to-strong-brave-wonderful-officer-at-funeral-service-of-pc-fiona-bone

Final Farewell to Nicola Hughes

Thousands of people lined deansgate to say their final farewell to Nicola Hughes.
 
See story and pictures at below links
 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19822043
 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-19818672
 
http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1590356_thousands-pay-respects-at-manchester-cathedral-funeral-service-of-pc-nicola-hughes

New police air service takes off

A new National Police Air Service has replaced localised police helicopter operations in England and Wales.

The service of 26 helicopters at 23 bases, some not operating round the clock, is expected to save £15m a year as seven other bases are closed.

See story at following link

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19781996

PCs Hughes and Bone among National Police Memorial Day honoured

Our two Fallen heroes were honoured for their bravery at the National Police Memorial Day held in york.  See link below for full story

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19760739