The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is urging residents to have their say on the Government’s proposed overhaul of policing, warning that local voices must not be overlooked as plans for major structural changes move forward.
The appeal comes after the Government announced proposals in January 2026 to reduce England and Wales’ 43 police forces into larger regional organisations.
An Independent Review is currently examining how the changes should be implemented, but the Commissioner has raised concerns that it is not actively seeking the views of the public.
The Commissioner says the proposals could have a direct impact on how policing is delivered across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, making it vital that local communities have the opportunity to influence the debate.
The Police and Crime Commissioner has said:
“Policing works best when it is rooted in the communities it serves. Local accountability, visibility, and responsiveness matter, and must not be lost in any move towards larger, more centralised structures.
“That is why I am encouraging residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to take part in this consultation. Your views are essential in making sure local voices are heard and considered as part of the national conversation on the future of policing.”
Residents are being encouraged to share their views, with the Commissioner saying the feedback will help ensure any future decisions better reflect the needs and expectations of communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
To complete the survey, click here.
Looking forward to completing the survey
great idea.
I must say seeing Bobbies on the beat like in the
old days would be nice.
It always makes one feel much safer.
Utopian policing having a bobbie on the beat, community or neighbourhood policing is a fallacy that has never and will never work, there would never be enough police officers to cover such a office based model designed by a senior officer looking for promotion, I am all for amalgamating forces , the cost savings would be huge, far fewer incompetant chieff constables and senior management, far less buildings housing nothing but back office staff who contribute nothing to public safety and crime reduction.
Well today in St Helens there were a losd of
racing cyclists going along the road being flanked
by 3 motorbike cops.
At first I thought they were filming a British version
of the American cop show CHIPS
It shows plod can be available if the need arises.
Hampshire Police, two tier policing policy. Shame on you.
Agree and want to see an end to state discrimination against white people.
Police limited by our judiciary, who always go easy on the offenders.
Too be honest think of all the other persons in
the country who have been discriminated over
the years who are not white.
Can the Echo publish the amount they get for policing the Island from Islanders and how much the Island gets in return. Are we subsidising the mainland.