Merseyside Police launch major force restructure to improve local policing and public protection
27.03.26 - Merseyside
Merseyside Police is introducing a significant force restructure designed to modernise policing, strengthen local accountability and improve the service delivered to communities across the region.
The new model, which goes live on Sunday 29th March, follows an extensive review commissioned by Chief Constable Rob Carden, who returned to Merseyside in August last year after serving as Chief Constable in Cumbria.
Following engagement with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, the Chief Constable determined that the current functional policing model was no longer equipped to meet modern challenges, which include rising crime complexity, increased digital evidence and a continued growth in demand on frontline services.
Following extensive planning by a dedicated team, Merseyside Police will now move to a new geographical Basic Command Unit (BCU) model, which is a local area-based command team, bringing more responsive local policing for communities.
The new structure will see 80 additional officers put into response policing, 60 additional officers into neighbourhood policing and the retention of 200 community support officers. Additional neighbourhood hubs have also been created, including dedicated town centre teams in St Helens, Birkenhead and Southport.
Chief Constable Rob Carden said: “Our communities deserve a police service that is fast, effective and responsive to local needs. This new, more resilient operating model helps us achieve that, creating a clearer, geographically led structure that strengthens local ownership and improves the quality and speed of service we provide across Merseyside. It also emphasises our commitment to putting communities at the heart of everything we do.
“This also complements the introduction of our new Force Strategy, which has a clear vision: ‘to deliver an outstanding policing service that builds trust and confidence’. Increasing our visible presence is key to this, as demonstrated through our recent ‘Vanguard’ major policing operations targeting serious and organised crime and complements the work going on every day.”
Under the restructure, policing services will see four new BCU areas - Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, plus a combined BCU comprising Knowsley and St Helens. Each of these four areas will be led by a Chief Superintendent (BCU Commander) who will be accountable for all policing activity within their area, including neighbourhood policing, response, investigations, problem solving and prevention.
The restructure also introduces a new Crime Management Unit (CMU) to ensure crimes are recorded accurately, prioritised quickly, and investigated fairly.
Merseyside Police Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Neighbourhood policing is at the heart of keeping our communities safe, and these changes are designed to strengthen the service that people across Merseyside receive every day.
“This restructure - the most significant in a decade - will make policing more visible, more responsive and more focused on the needs of local people.
“By moving to four BCUs, residents will see a more familiar and consistent policing presence, with local teams able to make decisions more quickly and concentrating on the issues that matter to their area. It will help officers spend more time in communities, build stronger relationships and deal with problems earlier.
“This is an important step in our continual drive to make sure Merseyside Police is a modern, community first police service that is in the strongest possible position to protect and support the people of Merseyside.”
Chief Constable Rob Carden added: “Additional officers will significantly strengthen our frontline capability. By investing in response policing, neighbourhood teams and maintaining our Community Support Officers, we are reaffirming our commitment to visible, proactive policing.
“While there will naturally be a period of adjustment with this restructure, we are committed to working closely with partners, listening to feedback and ensuring a smooth transition for both our workforce and the public.
“As this
model substantially enhances our resilience and ensures our resources are aligned where they are needed most, I am confident it will help drive Merseyside toward being one of the best performing forces in the country.”