Police in England and Wales to get new strict emergency response time limits

Home Office will set out changes to policing on Monday that it claims are biggest overhaul in two centuriesPolice forces in England and Wales will be told to respond to emergency calls within strict time limits as part of plans to be announced on Monday.Officers will be expected to arrive at crime scenes within 15 minutes in urban areas and 20 minutes in the countryside while attending serious crimes, the Home Office said.A reduction in the number of police forces.Local policing areas to deal with everyday crimes such as shoplifting.Home secretaries to be given the power to sack chief constables.An FBI-style National Police Service to lead on terrorism, fraud and organised crime.Every police officer in England and Wales to hold a licence to serve.A fast track for professionals and experts so they can take senior police roles.A new police commander to lead on violent disorder and rioting.A new national forensics team to help catch rapists and murderers. Continue reading...