UK police officials are developing plans to establish a new national police body aimed at leading counter-terrorism efforts and addressing serious organized crime, marking what is anticipated to be the most significant overhaul of policing in Britain since the 1960s.

The proposal involves creating an independent national counter-terrorism policing (CTP) unit that would operate separately from local law enforcement agencies, particularly in England and Wales, and would be integrated into a newly formed national policing center.

Currently, CTP is managed by London's Metropolitan Police, with its leadership appointed directly by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

This initiative aligns with an upcoming white paper from the Home Office, which is expected to outline extensive reforms to the policing framework in the UK by the end of this year.

The proposed reconfiguration addresses concerns regarding the existing model in which 45 local police forces sometimes collaborate on serious national matters but struggle to adequately respond to evolving crime that spans regional and international borders.

Key benefits of the proposed national force include bolstering recruitment efforts to stabilize the workforce managing counter-terrorism and related duties.

Currently, the CTP faces challenges in attracting candidates, with staffing numbers falling approximately 900 short of the targeted 9,000 personnel.

Issues such as the cost of living in London and the geographical implications of returning officers to their home forces can deter potential applicants.

The discussions are being led by a working group known as the joint reform team, consisting of representatives from the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), senior civil servants, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, the College of Policing, and elected police and crime commissioners.

Various structural alternatives for CTP are under consideration, which may include forming a standalone independent agency or maintaining the current configuration.

CTP’s core functions have historically been rooted within the Metropolitan Police, which reflects its previous role in spearheading national counter-terrorism efforts.

Currently, the UK is served by a network of 11 counter-terrorism units staffed largely by officers and personnel seconded from other forces.

The Met's assistant commissioner for specialist operations leads the CTP, a position historically filled by individuals with prior experience in counter-terrorism roles within the Metropolitan Police.

Supporters of the proposed transition argue it could facilitate internal restructuring of the Metropolitan Police while enhancing efficiency in counter-terrorism operations.

The force's role has gained significance in the wake of the increasing threat posed by Islamist terrorism and other extremist movements.

The restructuring model is anticipated to centralize key aspects of counter-terrorism and serious organized crime, including purchasing protocols for equipment, thereby streamlining police responses to significant in-country events such as civil unrest.

A report from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary highlighted the necessity for a national coordinator during major incidents, underscoring a trend toward greater central control during such emergencies.

Critics of centralization raise concerns regarding the autonomy of local forces and the possibility of excessive central government involvement in decision-making processes.

Proponents of the current local integration model emphasize that it fosters valuable relationships between local officers and their communities, facilitating the collection and sharing of critical intelligence relevant to counter-terrorism operations.

A representative from the NPCC articulated a commitment to reform, emphasizing the aspiration for the new national policing center to catalyze improvements in national law enforcement capabilities while remaining open to innovations that benefit both local and national contexts.