Britain is creating its own FBI. This is the biggest police reform since 1829.

Britain is planning the biggest reform of its security system in almost two centuries. The government has announced the creation of a new National Police Service, which will function as the British equivalent of the FBI.

It will merge the current crime agency with other units, including counterterrorism units and the traffic police. It will be headed by a new national commissioner, who will become the highest law enforcement figure in the country.

The reform is intended to strengthen the fight against terrorism, fraud, and organized crime, while allowing local police to focus on everyday crime.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has described the current policing model as outdated. The new service is to be unveiled on January 26. A reduction in the number of armed forces is also expected, which should bring savings.

The reform comes at a time when Britain is also strengthening its cyber security and responding to recent protests that have led to an expansion of police powers.

(reuters, pir)