London police chief wants fewer, larger regional forces

London's police chief proposed merging the UK's 43 police forces into 12-15 regional "mega" forces to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley cited outdated technology investment and financial strain as reasons for the reform, arguing that smaller forces are too expensive to operate effectively. He also called for a national policing body. This proposal comes amid falling public trust and rising crime, including organized crime and knife crime, exacerbated by years of austerity and underfunding for police forces.