In the current economic climate, a policing model based on 43 separate forces is difficult to justify. There is widespread concern that the current structure is not cost effective; nor is it equipped to meet the challenges of organised and cross-border crime. However, there is little agreement on what might be a better arrangement.

The Forum considered the following questions:

• Can the shortcomings of the current structure be made good by closer collaboration between – but not amalgamation of – forces?
• What are the pros and cons of encouraging voluntary amalgamations?
• Can the benefits of larger forces be obtained while protecting local policing?
• What lessons can be learned from the recent creation of Police Scotland?

Introductory presentation on the creation of Police Scotland, the single police force