Big changes could be on the horizon for Gwent Police! đźš“ Chief Constable Mark Hobrough has raised concerns over the potential for smaller police forces, like Gwent, to be absorbed by larger ones due to upcoming government reforms. The Home Secretary’s new plan aims to create a National Police Service to handle severe crimes and significantly reduce the number of local forces. But what does this mean for the community feeling of your local police force?
As Wales’ smallest force, Gwent Police, with its 1,549 officers, is facing a bit of uncertainty. Chief Constable Hobrough, taking the helm in December 2024, is keen to keep Gwent’s strong ties with local communities intact. “I’m passionate about maintaining the identity of Gwent Police,” he stresses. He reassures residents that he’ll do everything possible to preserve the service you’ve come to know and trust.
Why these reforms? The government cites evolving crime challenges—like digital offences and the increasing need for public order policing—as reasons to rethink the structure, moving away from a model established back in 1964. According to Chief Hobrough, administrative cost-cutting aside, a reformed structure could potentially better address these demands. As the national lead for public order policing, he’s seen rising demands firsthand, from coordinating responses to protests across the UK to supporting colleagues in different regions.
Despite the national changes, Hobrough is committed to ensuring the distinctive identity of Gwent Police isn’t lost in the shuffle. He believes that understanding and listening to the community is crucial, and his mission is to keep that trust alive. “We want people to still feel we’re their police force and we’re here to meet their needs,” he says.
The conversation on how policing might evolve is just starting, and as exciting as it might seem, Hobrough hopes Gwent’s unique identity will remain central to whatever future model is adopted. Let’s see how this unfolds! 🤔 What are your thoughts on the possible changes? Drop a comment below! ⬇️