London: The UK government has announced plans to establish a new National Police Service, described as a ‘British FBI,’ as part of a major effort to modernise policing and strengthen the country’s ability to combat terrorism, fraud, organised crime, and other complex criminal activities.
The proposed force will consolidate the functions of the National Crime Agency, which currently investigates serious organised crimes such as drug trafficking and human smuggling, with other nationwide responsibilities, including counter-terrorism operations and national road policing.
This restructuring is intended to create a single, more powerful national body capable of addressing crimes that extend beyond local and regional boundaries.
Next week, I will set out the most significant reforms to policing this country has seen in 200 years. pic.twitter.com/SgkJeYsQTj
— Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) January 23, 2026
Once appointed, the head of the British FBI, to be known as the National Crime Commissioner, will become the most senior law enforcement officer in the United Kingdom. At present, that position is held by the Commissioner of London’s Metropolitan Police, who is the country’s highest-ranking police official.
The creation of the National Police Service will form a central pillar of sweeping police reforms that the government is scheduled to unveil on January 26.
Officials have described the initiative as the most significant transformation of British policing since 1829, when Sir Robert Peel established the nation’s first professional police force.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said that the existing policing framework was designed for a different era and is no longer suited to today’s security challenges.
The Home Secretary stated that the new National Police Service, dubbed the ‘British FBI,’ would bring together world-class talent and cutting-edge technology to pursue and apprehend dangerous criminals, drawing comparisons with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Currently, policing across England and Wales is carried out by 43 separate local forces, some of which are assigned national duties. These include the Metropolitan Police in London, which is responsible for counter-terrorism operations nationwide.
Mahmood explained that the proposed overhaul would allow local police forces to focus more effectively on everyday crimes such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, while the national service handles serious and organised crime.
As part of the reforms expected to be announced on January 26, the government is also anticipated to reduce the overall number of police forces across Britain. This move is aimed at saving public funds, improving efficiency, and strengthening the country’s ability to reduce crime.
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