Party says centralisation could reduce local accountability and weaken neighbourhood policing, especially in rural communities

THE WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have warned that any plans which would see Wales’ four police forces merged into a single national force risk repeating problems associated with police centralisation in Scotland, and could leave communities with fewer officers on the streets and less responsive local policing.

The party’s comments come amid growing debate over UK Government policing reforms expected to be set out in the coming weeks. Ministers have spoken about reshaping how policing is organised across England and Wales, with proposals aimed at strengthening the national capability to tackle serious and complex crime while, in theory, allowing local forces to concentrate more on neighbourhood priorities.

However, the Welsh Liberal Democrats say the Government has yet to outline precisely how the reforms would affect Wales, including whether force mergers are being considered. They argue Wales must not be pushed towards a model that makes policing more remote, less accountable, and less focused on local crime — particularly in rural and semi-rural communities where residents already report long response times and limited police visibility.

The party says centralisation can create distance between local communities and those who set priorities, and warns that large, centrally managed structures can become dominated by regional or national demands. They also argue that rural crime, anti-social behaviour, repeat nuisance offending and lower-level offences — while not always classed as “serious” — have a significant impact on quality of life and can be deprioritised when decision-making is pulled away from local areas.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats point to Scotland, where the creation of a single national force was followed by repeated criticism from communities and campaigners who felt local policing became less connected to the places it serves. They claim centralisation can result in fewer staff, more officers being pulled into desk-based roles, and a widening gap between policing strategies and community expectations.

Instead, the party argues the focus should be on rebuilding neighbourhood policing, restoring front desks and public access points in communities, and ensuring officers are visibly present and locally accountable. They say residents want policing that is rooted in local knowledge, with officers who understand persistent problems on estates, in town centres and across rural areas.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have also renewed their call for policing and justice to be devolved to Wales, arguing that decisions about policing structures should be made closer to the communities affected and reflect Wales’ distinct geography and needs. They say uncertainty created by proposals being developed in Westminster underlines the case for Welsh communities to have a direct say over how they are policed.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster spokesperson David Chadwick MP said the Government had not yet made clear what its reforms would mean for Wales, but warned against any move towards a single Welsh force.

“The Government has not yet made clear exactly what its reforms will mean for Wales, but any plans that would see Wales’ four forces merged into one would be a serious mistake,” he said.

“We’ve seen the risks of centralisation before: after the police merger in Scotland, communities ended up with fewer staff, more officers behind desks, and policing that felt more distant and less responsive.

“People in Wales want local, visible policing, officers who know their communities and can focus on the crimes that affect people day to day. A one-size-fits-all model risks pulling officers away from neighbourhoods, particularly in rural areas.”

The four Welsh Police and Crime Commissioners have come together to make the following comment: “We recognise and support the need to modernise policing and the UK Government’s White Paper provides us with that opportunity. Policing in Wales operates within a distinct public service landscape, shaped by close partnerships with Welsh Government, local authorities, health services, and our NGO partners. The partnership approach we have developed over many years here in Wales has been praised by successive governments, and any review of the policing model and structures must reflect this work. It must also consider the evidence of what works best for the communities and people of Wales. Vital to this is the commitment that policing is rooted in the communities they serve, we strengthen neighbourhood policing and that we maintain and enhance local accountability. As locally elected representatives, Welsh PCCs are committed to playing a full and meaningful role in designing future arrangements for Wales, ensuring continuity, stability, and democratic accountability during any transition. The UK Government must now demonstrate how the regional and structural change it is proposing would enhance local accountability and deliver the best possible service to our communities.”

With particular regard to policing in North Wales, PCC Andy Dunbobbin comments: “In North Wales, day to day policing activity is closely linked to the North West of England through established patterns of serious and organised crime, including county lines drug supply, organised acquisitive crime, and the movement of offenders across borders. Operational effectiveness relies on well embedded joint working with neighbouring English forces, regional organised crime units, and partner agencies to manage risk, safeguard vulnerable people, and disrupt criminal networks. Any change to policing structures must support these operational realities and avoid introducing barriers that could undermine intelligence sharing, joint tasking, or rapid operational response.” 

Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Ifan Charles said: “Police leaders are united in calling for bold and ambitious reform which delivers a world class service for our communities, officers, staff and volunteers.

“The priority for policing is and will always be victims of crime, and the services and support we provide to victims and the communities we serve. In that sense, it is business as usual for now.

“Crime is changing, technology is evolving, and we need to be set up in the best possible way to tackle crime in the modern world, relentlessly focused on good quality neighbourhood policing alongside national threats.

“I am committed to doing my utmost to ensure any changes to policing are right for the people of Dyfed and Powys, and together with my fellow Chief Constables in Wales, ensuring we deliver the best possible service to Welsh communities.”