Police Reform White Paper Gloucestershire Police Federation response

27 January 2026

Adam Williams, Chair of Gloucestershire Police Federation, responds to police reform White Paper

The publication of the Government’s policing White Paper raises serious questions for officers working on the front line here in Gloucestershire.  

Our Chief Constable has openly welcomed the paper and is looking to help implement positive changes for both the public and officers alike, which makes me cautiously optimistic for the future locally.  

For many years, Gloucestershire Constabulary has been forced to make significant savings due to being under funded by the government.  

I am hopeful this new era will see smaller forces like Gloucestershire receive the support it needs and not carrying additional demands, without the necessary level of resources.  

Policing is already under immense strain. Our members are dealing daily with rising demand, complex investigations, and increasing risk – often with fewer resources and less time. Any reform must strengthen the front line, not stretch it further. 

While there is recognition that the current system is not working and needs change, the White Paper focuses heavily on what might change, with far less clarity on how those changes would be delivered in practice. 

For Gloucestershire officers, that detail matters. It affects workloads, training, wellbeing, and ultimately the service the public receives. 

We are particularly concerned about proposals that could add new layers of bureaucracy or responsibility without proper investment, such as a licence to carry out our warranted roles.  

Police officers already see training cancelled to fill gaps, outdated systems slowing investigations, and colleagues carrying unsustainable workloads. Reform cannot succeed unless these realities are addressed.

The Police Federation supports reform where it is evidence‑led, properly funded, and shaped by the lived experience of officers. 

That is why we will be engaging directly with Gloucestershire members to understand how these proposals could impact them locally. Their voices must be heard before any changes are imposed. Policing cannot be fixed without listening to the people who do the job every day.

We will continue to stand up for Gloucestershire officers and ensure that any reform delivers safer communities and a fair, sustainable working environment for those who protect them.