Police restructures to mirror new council areas

Surrey Police says it has restructured how its divisions are set up as part of plans to modernise the force.

Earlier this month, it moved to a new east and west arrangement to replace its former three divisions. following a review of how it operates.

The move aims to reflect government plans for devolution and local authority reorganisation, which would see the creation of two new councils for East and West Surrey in April 2027.

Dep Ch Const Mark McEwan says making the "necessary" overhaul now will "ensure we are at the forefront of change and in the best possible position for the future."

He added that, despite the alteration, the public would not notice any difference or detriment to the service it receives.

"Neighbourhood policing teams will remain in place, contact methods into the force will stay the same and residents will continue to see officers and PCSOs serving their local areas as normal," said McEwan.

"I am confident that the changes introduced will deliver benefits, not only for our partnership working, but also to sustain our ability to respond to modern day policing demands," he added.

A Surrey Police spokesperson says other internal changes already made are to ensure the force has the "correct capacity and capability to meet the needs of the public, especially in critical times".

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.