A MERGER between Surrey and Sussex police forces could increase the number of police officers on Waverley's streets by up to 25 constables, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey has suggested.

Kevin Hurley has made no secret of his desire to merge Surrey Police with its Sussex counterpart since taking office a year ago, and has already overseen a programme of shared services with the neighbouring constabulary.

Surrey and Sussex Police currently collaborate across a number of areas including major crime, forensics, firearms, procurement, fleet, insurance and risk management. And this autumn, the collaboration extended to a wider range of services across serious crime and operations, involving units made up of officers from both forces.

For full story, see this week's Farnham Herald.