Story perspectives

New Police Licensing Reform Aims to Boost Accountability

1/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced officers in England and Wales must obtain a licence to practice and renew it to standardize training across 43 police forces.
The reforms give ministers power to dismiss underperforming chief constables and to deploy specialist teams to improve failing forces.
The Police Federation warned that fewer forces may not improve policing quality and urged investment.
Sir Andy Cooke supported the reforms, stressing accountability in policing.

1 of 1

Story summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced officers in England and Wales must obtain a licence to practice and renew it to standardize training across 43 police forces.
The reforms give ministers power to dismiss underperforming chief constables and to deploy specialist teams to improve failing forces.
The Police Federation warned that fewer forces may not improve policing quality and urged investment.
Sir Andy Cooke supported the reforms, stressing accountability in policing.