UK unveils plans for 'British FBI' in revamp of national police force

The British government is unveiling plans to create a new national police force, dubbed the "British FBI."

It will take charge of complex investigations such as counterterrorism, fraud, online child abuse and criminal gangs. The full proposals will be discussed in parliament today.

Britain's new National Police Service will bring the work of existing agencies dealing with terrorism and crime, police helicopters and policing of the roads, and regional organised crime units in England and Wales under the same umbrella.

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the new body will lift the burden on the 43 local police forces in England and Wales, helping them focus solely on day-to-day crimes within their jurisdictions.

"So the point of our reforms is a national police service that will deal with all of the national and international crime," said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. "It will be their job to go after terrorists, serious organised criminals, fraudsters.

"You know, we need a really agile national service that can keep pace with the international criminals who change their business model all the time. We'll have fewer regional forces, who can focus on specialist investigations, like for murder, for rape, for serious violence."

Mahmood said the current model was "built for a different century" and the new body will attract "world-class talent" as well as helping to keep a lid on costs by moving procurement to one national force.

The chief of the new force, the National Crime Commissioner will be the most senior officer in the UK. Currently, the head of London's Metropolitan Police is Britain's highest-ranking law enforcement official.

Other changes expected include slashing the number of police forces in England and Wales and changes to how police officers are recruited and managed. The revamp has been welcomed within police circles.