The Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, Tim Passmore, has reaffirmed his strong opposition to proposals that could see Suffolk Constabulary incorporated into a larger regional police force, and warned that local communities would lose the benefits of locally focused policing.
Speaking at a public meeting in Newmarket, the Commissioner told residents that he had made his views clear to the Home Secretary regarding any proposal to merge forces across the eastern region.
Mr Passmore said: “I have told the Home Secretary that I am very much opposed to the creation of mega forces which would see Suffolk become a single participant in a group of six forces across the eastern region.
“I believe that would be damaging for Suffolk Constabulary and, as a defensive approach, I am exploring closer collaboration and a possible merger with Norfolk Constabulary.
“That would be far preferable to Suffolk becoming one member of a six-force regional structure.”
Mr Passmore stressed that policing in rural counties requires a strong local focus and warned against arrangements that could dilute local accountability and responsiveness.
He added: “Looking after rural counties such as Suffolk is incredibly important. As I have said, over my dead body would I support a merger of six forces.
“Suffolk and Norfolk working more closely together remains a possibility and we will continue to explore whether there are opportunities to take that forward.”
The meeting also heard from West Suffolk Area Commander, Superintendent Pete Partridge, who provided an update on local policing activity and highlighted positive outcomes across the district.
Superintendent Partridge reported his team has been successful in conducting enforcement action to combat county lines across west Suffolk.
County lines activity involves criminal groups extending drug supply networks from urban areas into towns and rural communities, often exploiting vulnerable young people.
He said: “Our community policing teams have been carrying out successful enforcement action.
“We continually assess whether we are doing enough to identify and disrupt county lines criminality, and I can assure residents that this remains a priority for Suffolk Constabulary.”
Superintendent Partridge also highlighted recent enforcement activity against businesses involved in the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products, including the closure of a local vape shop found to be selling illicit goods.
Reflecting on the discussion, Mr Passmore welcomed the operational successes being delivered across the area.
He said: “Local people have told us they are pleased with the action being taken against businesses selling illegal tobacco and illicit vaping products.
“There has also been an excellent track record of success in tackling county lines activity.
“This demonstrates the value of proactive local policing.
“These successes are only possible because officers and staff know their communities and work closely with local people.
“I fear that under a proposed mega force covering six counties, we would lose some of that local impact and see valuable resources diverted to areas with higher levels of demand and criminality.”
Mr Passmore concluded by reiterating the importance of protecting local policing services and ensuring that Suffolk residents continue to benefit from a police force that understands and responds to the needs of local communities.