In the know

Still time to have your say on proposed police merger plans!

Have you had your say yet on plans to merge Surrey Police with its neighbouring forces?

Under Government proposals – Surrey could become part of a larger south-east ‘mega force’ which will police a population larger than Greater London, New York or Switzerland.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is urging the county’s residents to let her know what they think by filling in her brief survey.

It is not too late to take part – the survey is open until Monday 17 August and can be found here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/mergers/

Lisa said: “We’ve had a great response so far but I urge any Surrey resident who is interested in the future of policing in our county to fill it in and have their say.

“Policing must move with the times and reform is certainly needed but I am really concerned the residents of Surrey will be left short-changed by these merger plans.

“A south-east region ‘mega force’ comprising Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Kent and Hampshire would be policing a population of over nine million people – that is more than Scotland and Wales put together.

“We are the safest county in the region with no major city and I fear that on a Saturday night, police teams will not be concentrated in our communities in Surrey but will be drawn to places like Dover, Oxford or Portsmouth. 

“I know my view will not be shared by everyone but whether you agree with the plans or not - I want to ensure the public of Surrey have a voice on this really important decision.”