Police alliance set to be split up next year

A police alliance between three neighbouring authorities is to be split up next year, it has been reported.

The marriage of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Avon and Somerset police forces was formed in 2012 to deliver more roads, dogs and firearms policing “more efficiently” across the three regions.

But Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said it was “now time to review” that agreement.

The tri-force agreement was set up to create savings by sharing resources between the three police authorities.

Mr Surl said the tri-force will still work together on firearms under a new arrangement.

Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire yesterday, Mr Surl said: “We feel it needs tinkering with. We have agreed we will strengthen our partnership around the firearms where the greatest risk is.

“We in Gloucestershire feel we need those officers of the road policing unit and the dogs here supporting neighbourhood policing, supporting response teams.

“We think it will be a more efficient and more effective way of delivering policing in Gloucestershire.”

Wiltshire and Avon and Somerset are planning to work together on roads policing and police dog services.

The tri-force is due to come to an end in April 2019.

By Leigh Boobyer – Local Democracy Reporter