Survey finds Surrey residents oppose police merger plans
Nearly 3,500 residents took part in the survey opened by the Police and Crime Commissioner
A survey conducted by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend revealed that 80% of respondents do not support the merger of Surrey Police with neighbouring forces.
Residents expressed apprehension about losing focus on local policing priorities, diminished accountability, and the potential reduction in police response and officer visibility.
The Government announced in January plans to restructure the current 43 force system in England and Wales, intending to create larger regional forces.
This proposal could lead to the merging of Surrey Police with other forces such as Sussex, Thames Valley, Kent, and Hampshire.
Nearly 3,500 people took part in the survey, launched by the PCC in June, amid concerns over the lack of local consultation by the Government regarding the merger plans.
According to survey results, 80% wanted Surrey Police to remain as it is, while 16% supported the merger, and 4% were unsure.
Additionally, 44% of participants indicated they were previously unaware of the Government's merger plans.
When asked about the main risks and benefits of merging forces, 42% cited reduced focus on local policing priorities, while 32% feared less responsive local policing.
Only 21% believed that potential savings and efficiencies would benefit policing, with 16% suggesting stronger specialist capabilities might result from mergers.
The Commissioner plans to share the survey results with the Government officials reviewing the proposals, with a report expected in the autumn.
More than 2,000 respondents also shared their personal comments on the merger plans.