Commenting on the Policing White Paper, published yesterday afternoon (26.01.26), Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said:
“I wholeheartedly support measures to improve standards and performance in policing, that’s at the heart of my Safe and Sound Plan for Northamptonshire. People want to be able to get in touch with the police easily, to have their concerns taken seriously and to know what action has been taken as a result. Improvements that give people confidence in that process are vitally important.
“However, I am concerned that the proposal for larger, regional police forces will weaken local accountability and water down the essential local connection between police and the communities they serve.
“Commissioners have not been involved in shaping these proposals to merge Forces, and I would like to understand the evidence behind them.
“As Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, I am elected by the people of Northamptonshire to hold the Chief Constable to account for delivery on local priorities.
“Everything I hear from communities across Northamptonshire tells me that people want to see more local accountability, not less.
“I will do everything I can to support the provision of a better, more effective and cost-effective policing service in Northamptonshire. I will always work to ensure that local priorities are heard, victims are supported, and crime is prevented.
“Whatever structure is put in place for the future must have that local accountability at its core.”
