force to handle intricate investigations such gangs, fraud, abuse, and counterterrorism LONDON: The British government announced on Sunday that it will announce plans this week to establish a new national police force, known as the “British FBI,” to handle intricate investigations including fraud, online child abuse, criminal gangs, and counterterrorism. The job of current agencies that deal with crime and terrorism, police helicopters, road policing, and regional organized crime units in England and Wales will all fall under the purview of the National Police Service.
According to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the new organization will relieve the 43 local police forces in England and Wales of some of their responsibilities, allowing them to concentrate only on routine offenses within their own jurisdictions. According to her, “some local forces lack the skills or resources they need to fight complex modern crime like fraud, online child abuse, or organized criminal gangs.” The existing arrangement was “built for a different century,” according to Mahmood, and the new organization will draw “world-class talent” and help control costs by consolidating procurement under a single national force.
The whole recommendations will be presented to Parliament on Monday, she said. Reducing the number of police forces in England and Wales as well as altering the hiring and management practices of police officers are other anticipated improvements. The idea of a single national service was embraced by many in the police community, including London’s Metropolitan Police, which is in charge of counterterrorism.
